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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates Saharanpur, Rewa and Ambikapur airports under RCS-UDAN

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates Saharanpur, Rewa and Ambikapur airports under RCS-UDAN

    RCS-UDAN celebrates 08 Years in service of the Nation

    1.44 crore people already flown under RCS-UDAN

    601 UDAN routes operationalized so far

    RCS key element of NCAP 2016 to promote Regional Air Connectivity

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 6:17PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated three airports, developed under the  Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. These airports are: Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, Ambikapur in Chhatisgarh and Saharanpur in UP. Flights under RCS-UDAN will begin from these airports shortly.

    The RCS- UDAN, a government-backed initiative to improve infrastructure and connectivity in India, especially in remote and underserved regions, completes seven years. It is a vital component of India’s National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on October 21, 2016, with a 10-year vision.

    The first RCS-UDAN flight was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi. The scheme focuses on improving unserved air routes in underserved regions of the country and fulfilling the aspirations of the common citizens.

    So far, the RCS-UDAN has facilitated travel of more than 144 lakh passengers, demonstrating its success in enhancing air travel accessibility.

    Over the period of 7 years, various versions of UDAN Scheme were launched, as follows:

     

    • UDAN 1.0: Five airlines companies were awarded 128 flight routes to 70 airports (including 36 newly made operational airports)
    • UDAN 2.0: 73 underserved and unserved airports were announced and for the first time, helipads were also connected.
    • UDAN 3.0: In coordination with the Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Routes were included. In addition to Seaplanes for connecting Water Aerodromes, several routes in the North-East Region came under the ambit of the scheme.
    • UDAN 4.0: Gave impetus to North-Eastern Regions, Hilly States, and Islands. The operation of helicopters and seaplanes incorporated.

     

    UDAN Version 5 – 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 &5.4

    Following the four successful rounds of bidding, the Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the 5thversion of RCS-UDAN with numerous improvements based on stakeholder feedback.

    UDAN 5.0 where the focus is on Category-2 (20-80 seats) and Category-3 (>80 seats) aircraft. Similarly, the cap of 600 km has been removed and there is no restriction on the distance between the origin and destination of the flight. This round prioritizes the routes that will connect the airports that are ready for operations or will be ready soon, which will lead to quicker operationalization of awarded routes. Consequently, Airlines would now be required to commence operations within 4 months of the award of the route, and they are welcoming this change as this helps them to better plan their operations.

    This was soon followed by UDAN 5.1, This round of RCS-UDAN is designed specifically for helicopter routes by increasing the scope of operations for helicopter operators, enhancing VGF and reducing Airfare Caps. The Scheme will now allow operations on routes provided that at least one origin or destination is in a priority area and at least one origin or destination is a heliport, thereby enhancing the potential range of connectivity. VGF caps have been enhanced to improve viability for operators and airfare caps have been reduced to make flying more affordable for passengers respectively.

    Later, bidding for UDAN 5.2 was launched to further enhance the connectivity to remote and regional areas of the country, achieve last-mile connectivity, and provide impetus to the tourism sector through small aircraft (<20 seats). The Scheme will provide greater operational flexibility to the small aircraft operators, by allowing them to operate a maximum of 40% of annually quoted RCS seats and a minimum of 10% of annually quoted RCS seats in any given quarter.

    The Ministry of Civil Aviation further launched special bidding rounds to operationalize the routes those have been discontinued before completion of tenure or cancelled/terminated due to multiple reasons. In order to further enhance point-to-point air connectivity on such previously identified routes, bids under UDAN 5.3 and UDAN 5.4 were invited from all categories of airline operators. Consequently, UDAN 5.3 was launched in January 2024, while UDAN 5.4 is underway.

    Fueling Growth in the Aviation Industry

    RCS-UDAN is contributing to the growth of the civil aviation industry as many new and successful airlines have come up in the last seven years. The scheme has helped airline operators to start up and develop a sustainable business model. Additionally, it’s providing opportunities to small regional airlines Flybig, Star Air, IndiaOne Air and Fly91 to scale up their businesses and their successful run is evidence of the fact that the scheme is creating an amiable ecosystem conducive to airline business.

    Demand for new aircraft of all sizes

    The scheme’s incremental expansion has generated an escalating demand for new aircraft, concurrently broadening the spectrum of aircraft deployed. This augmentation encompasses a comprehensive range of aircraft and encompasses helicopters, seaplanes, 3-seat propeller planes, and jet planes. Presently, a diversified fleet, including Airbus 320/321, Boeing 737, ATR 42 and 72, DHC Q400, Twin Otter, Embraer 145 and 175, Tecnam P2006T, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, Dornier 228, Airbus H130, and Bell 407 is actively serving on the RCS routes. The heightened demand for aircraft is substantiated by Indian carriers’ orders, which exceed 1,000 aircraft slated for delivery over the next 10-15 years, representing a significant augmentation of India’s existing fleet, which currently comprises approximately 800 planes operated by various airlines.

    Promoting tourism

    RCS-UDAN is not solely dedicated to offering last-mile connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities; it also stands as a prominent contributor to the burgeoning tourism sector. UDAN 3.0 introduced tourism routes connecting several destinations in the Northeast region, while UDAN 5.1 is dedicated to expanding helicopter services in hilly regions to stimulate tourism, hospitality, and local economic growth.

    This initiative has successfully connected destinations such as Khajuraho, Deoghar, Amritsar, and Kishangarh (Ajmer), which have substantial relevance in religious tourism. The entire Northeast region’s tourism industry is experiencing a considerable upsurge due to the introduction of Pasighat, Ziro, Hollongi, and Tezu airports, fostering greater accessibility.The Scheme also achieved another milestone by bringingAgatti Island on the Indian aviation map, further boosting tourism in Lakshadweep.

    Boosting air connectivity

    From Mundra (Gujarat) to Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh andKullu in Himachal Pradesh to Salem in Tamil Nadu, RCS-UDAN hasconnected 34 States/UTs across the length and breadth of the country. A total of 86 aerodromes have been operationalized under UDAN. Ten airports have been operationalized in the Northeast regionin addition to two heliports. Many airports that were operationalized under UDAN such as Darbhanga, Prayagraj, Hubli, Belgaum, Kannur, etc. have or may soon become sustainable with many non-RCS commercial flights operating from these airports.

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    PSF/DK

    (Release ID: 2066529) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DCR News Release – Campaign underway to recruit additional positions within DCR

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DCR News Release – Campaign underway to recruit additional positions within DCR

    Posted on Oct 18, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION

    KA ‘OIHANA HOʻOMALU KALAIMA A HOʻOPONOPONO OLA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

     

    TOMMY JOHNSON

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 18, 2024

     

    Campaign underway to recruit additional positions within DCR

     

    HONOLULU — With considerable job vacancy woes across all state departments, maintaining vital government functions has become increasingly challenging. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR), which operates eight correctional facilities across the state, has felt the effects of a chronic shortage of employees, but has been taking aggressive steps to rise to the recruitment challenge.

    Over the summer, the DCR launched a multifaceted “Unlocking Potential” recruitment campaign to address its greatest need: filling vacancies of adult corrections officers (ACO).

    At the start of the year, there were more than 425 vacant ACO positions of the 1,535 authorized positions for Hawai‘i‘s correctional facilities.

    The campaign generated more than 755 eligible applicants and filled nearly 190 adult corrections officer positions (including 89-day temporary hires) from January 1, 2024 to October 15, 2024.

    During the same time period last year, there were approximately 570 eligible applicants and approximately 100 adult corrections officer positions (including 89-day temporary hires) filled.

    As of October 15, 2024, there are nearly 370 vacant corrections officer positions.

     

    DCR Director Tommy Johnson said, “We seek to fill our positions with individuals with the right temperament and attitude. We also conduct thorough background checks that include a criminal history check, psychological examination and physical fitness assessment.”

    “It is not easy. Not everyone makes it through our rigorous screening process and training, but we are making steady progress,” Director Johnson said.

    Another key component of the department’s stepped-up recruitment efforts involves using 89-day temporary hires to fast-track the hiring process, and serves as a way for new hires to assess whether the job is a good fit for them before applying for a permanent position.

    DCR also doubled its recruit training classes to six classes this year from two to three classes.

    What’s more, the starting pay for adult corrections officers increased to approximately $64,000 a year, an increase from $61,200 a year, effective July 1, 2024.

    This year, the recruitment strategy involved engaging teams of off-duty adult corrections officers to conduct on-the-spot interviews of prospective candidates at the Hawaiʻi Career Expo.

    Adult corrections officers will be at the upcoming Career Expo at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 9 am to 2 pm.

    The DCR is now expanding its recruitment efforts to other job positions within the department, positions that are instrumental to the department’s mission: provide rehabilitative services to inmates as well as reduce recidivism.

    “Recruiting adult corrections officers continues to be our priority. We’re building on the foundation of our adult corrections officer campaign, and are now launching our new ‘Champions of Change’ campaign, featuring real employees who hold other job positions to support the inmates and other correctional and administrative functions,” Johnson said.

    This latest recruitment promotes positions in education, health care services, including nursing and behavioral health care or mental health, food service, human resources and other areas.

    Interviews with DCR employees in these areas will be used for a series of recruitment videos. They will be posted on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website and used as recruitment tools through social media.

    “These positions are just as important to help ensure our inmates receive the support services they need to be equipped and ready for release back into the community,” Johnson said. “Like the adult corrections officers, we are looking for extraordinary individuals. Candidates for these positions must have a deep commitment to helping others realize their full potential. They must be champions of change who want to guide inmates who want to be reunited with their families again and are ready to begin a new chapter in their lives.”

    “One of the reasons we changed our name from the Department of Public Safety (PSD) to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation was to emphasize our role in supporting those in our custody and care. Our campaign invites those who share our same vision,” Johnson added.

    # # #

     

     

    Media Contact:

    Rosemarie Bernardo

    Public Information Officer

    Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

    Office: 808-587-1358

    Cell: 808-683-5507

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Waikato swampland fire Update #2

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    The ground and air response to a scrub fire burning in swampland off Island Block Road, near Meremere in North Waikato has been stood down for the night.
    Fire and Emergency New Zealand Incident Commander Shane Bromley says the fire is not contained but is burning slowly through swampland.
    “Houses along Island Block Road are no longer threatened,” he says.
    “A crew will monitor the situation overnight, and we will resume our air attack at first light tomorrow morning.”
    Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to the fire around 1.15pm. It has since spread through approximately 35 hectares of scrub and swampland.
    There will be another update after 8am tomorrow. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah pays homage to the martyrs on Police Commemoration Day at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah pays homage to the martyrs on Police Commemoration Day at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi

    Police personnel across the country are determined to fulfil Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s dream of building a fully developed India

    Central structure at the National Police Memorial symbolizes the unwavering commitment of our soldiers to duty, their profound patriotism, and willingness to make the supreme sacrifice

    Country will always be indebted to the police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while performing their duty

    Welfare of police personnel is the priority of Modi government

    Modi Government has introduced many welfare schemes related to health, housing and scholarships for police personnel

    The National Police Memorial built by PM Modi in honour of the sacrifice of the Jawans will continue to inspire our youth and remind citizens that the safety and progress we enjoy today is because of the supreme sacrifice of thousands of soldiers

    In the last decade, due to the dedication of the security forces, Left Wing Extremism, decades-long unrest in Kashmir and the North-East came to an end

    Country is facing challenges like drones, narcotics trade, cybercrime, attempts to spread unrest through AI

    No matter how big the threats and challenges are, they will not be able to stand in front of the unwavering resolve of our soldiers

    Soldiers have given their supreme sacrifice for the country and this is why the country is progressing

    On this day in 1959, 10 CRPF soldiers sacrificed their lives while fighting the Chinese army, that is why this day is celebrated as Police Memorial Day

    Posted On: 21 OCT 2024 2:52PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah paid homage to the martyrs on Police Commemoration Day at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi today. On this occasion, Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs, Shri Govind Mohan, Union Home Secretary, Shri Tapan Kumar Deka, Director, Intelligence Bureau (IB), senior officers of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and several other dignitaries were present.

    In his address, Union Home Minister said that the Jawans of the police forces safeguard India’s borders from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Kutch to Kibithu. He mentioned that the personnel of the forces are always guarding us and the borders, whether it is day or night, during festivals or disasters, in extreme heat, rain, or cold waves.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the central structure at the National Police Memorial symbolizes the unwavering commitment of our soldiers to duty, their profound patriotism, and their willingness to make the supreme sacrifice. He mentioned that on this very day in 1959, 10 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel bravely faced the Chinese army and sacrificed their lives. Shri Shah said that after becoming Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi decided to build a police memorial in the heart of Delhi to honour the sacrifice of these soldiers. He further stated that this police memorial will continue to inspire our youth and remind citizens that the safety and progress we enjoy today is because of the supreme sacrifice of thousands of these soldiers. He added that 36,468 police personnel have laid down their lives for the safety and security of the country, which has enabled the nation to progress. He also mentioned that in the last one year, 216 police personnel sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, and the country will forever be indebted to these brave soldiers.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that there has been a tradition of our police forces making the supreme sacrifice for the security of the nation. He added that we also have a proud history where brave soldiers, from the icy and treacherous peaks of the Himalayas to the harsh deserts of Kutch and Barmer and the vast oceans, safeguard the country fearlessly, ensuring its security.

    Shri Amit Shah said that there was disruption of peace in Jammu & Kashmir, Left-wing extremism affected areas, and the Northeast for decades, but in the past decade, we have succeeded in establishing peace due to the dedication and efficiency of our security forces. He added that, however, our fight is not over yet. Emerging threats like drones, narcotics trade, cybercrime, attempts to spread unrest through Artificial Intelligence (AI), conspiracies to incite religious sentiments, infiltration, smuggling of illegal weapons, and terrorism are the challenges we face today. Shri Shah stated that no matter how big the threats and challenges are, they cannot stand in the face of the unwavering resolve of our soldiers.

    Union Home Minister said that the police personnel across the country are determined to fulfil Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of building a fully developed India by 2047. He mentioned that the implementation of the three new criminal laws passed by the country’s Parliament has already begun in all the states and union territories. He said that once these laws are fully implemented, our criminal justice system will become the most modern justice system in the world. He further added that in any crime registered in any corner of the country, justice will be served within three years, right up to the Supreme Court. He emphasized that the path to overcoming delays in justice lies in the implementation of these three new laws.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi Government has introduced many schemes for the welfare of police personnel. He mentioned that through Ayushman CAPF scheme, more than 41 lakhs cards have been distributed and 13 lakh claims worth about Rs. 1422 crore have been settled. He said that health of our Jawans and their families is being taken care of anywhere through this card. He said that in the housing scheme also, we have set a target to increase the housing satisfaction ratio. Shri Shah said that the Modi government had approved the construction of 13,000 houses and 113 barracks at a cost of Rs. 3100 crore in 2015, out of which 11,276 houses and 111 barracks have been completed by March 2024. He said through CAPF e-Awas web portal, vacant houses have been allotted. The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme has proved to be a blessing for the children of our police personnel. Along with this, 26 seats in MBBS and 3 seats in BDS have also been reserved for the dependents of CAPF personnel. Increasing the central ex-gratia amount to lump-sum compensation provides great relief to the families of our jawans.

     

    Union Home Minister said that our police personnel, especially the personnel of CAPFs, perform many other tasks in addition to maintaining law and order and ensuring the security of the country. He said that from 2019 to 2024, CAPF personnel have planted about 5 crore 80 lakh 90 thousand saplings and are taking care of them like their own child. Shri Shah said that through the Civic Action Programme, efforts are being made to bring all the schemes of the Government of India and state governments to the citizens in all border districts. Home Minister said that the sacrifice of the jawans who laid down their lives for the country will not go in vain. He said that due to the sacrifices of these soldiers, the security of the country will be ensured and by 2047, India will emerge as a developed nation. He added that this grateful nation will always remember the sacrifices of these jawans with reverence during the centenary of independence.

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    RK/VV/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2066653) Visitor Counter : 100

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

    The Hospital will remove darkness from the lives of many people in Varanasi and the region, leading them towards light: PM

    Kashi is also now becoming famous as a big health center and healthcare hub of Purvanchal in UP: PM

    Today, India’s health strategy has five pillars – Preventive healthcare, Timely diagnosis of disease, Free and low-cost treatment, Good treatment in small towns and Expansion of technology in healthcare: PM

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 5:24PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh today. The hospital offers comprehensive consultations and treatments for various eye conditions. Shri Modi also took a walkthrough of the exhibition showcased on the occasion.

    Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister said that visiting Kashi during this auspicious period is an opportunity to experience virtue. He noted the gracious presence of the people of Kashi, saints and philanthropists and mentioned performing darshan and receiving prasadam and blessings with Param Pujya Shankaracharya ji. The Prime Minister emphasized that Kashi and Uttaranchal have been blessed with another modern hospital today and mentioned the dedication of RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in the land of Lord Shankar. Shri Modi congratulated the people of Kashi and Uttaranchal on the occasion.

    Giving an analogy of a quote mentioned in the ancient scriptures of India, the Prime Minister remarked that RJ Sankara Eye hospital would wipe out the darkness and lead many people towards light. Shri Modi said that having just visited the eye hospital, he felt it was an amalgamation of spirituality and modernity and the hospital would serve both the old and young in giving eyesight. He added that the poor would be getting free treatment in the hospital in large numbers. Shri Modi noted that the eye hospital would also create new job avenues for many youths as well as job and internship opportunities for medical students along with jobs for the support staff as well.

    The Prime Minister recalled his association with Sankara Eye Foundation during his time as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and mentioned inaugurating Sankara Eye Hospital in the presence of Sri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi’s guru. He said that it is a matter of great contentment to receive the blessings of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadipathi, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Chandrashekharendra Saraswati Swamigal and mentioned accomplishing several tasks under the guidance of Param Pujya Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati  Referring to today’s occasion, the Prime Minister said that it is a matter of personal satisfaction being associated with three different traditions of Gurus. The Prime Minister thanked Sri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi for blessing the occasion and welcomed him as the people’s representative of Varanasi. 

    Shri Modi also reminisced about the service and work of noted entrepreneur, Late Shri, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. He also lauded the latter’s wife Smt Rekha Jhunjhunwala for continuing the heritage and legacy of Shri Jhunjhunwala. The Prime Minister recalled that he had requested both Sankara Eye Hospital and Chitrakoot Eye Hospital to set up their establishments in Varanasi and was thankful to both organizations that both had respected the request of people of Kashi. He noted that in the past, thousands of people from his parliamentary constituency had been treated at Chitrakoot Eye Hospital and now there were two new state-of-the-art eye hospitals within their reach in Varanasi.

    Noting that from time immemorial, Varanasi was identified as the religious and cultural capital, the Prime Minister remarked that now Varanasi was becoming famous as UP and Purvanchal’s healthcare hub as well. Be it the BHU Trauma Center or superspeciality hospital or Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital or strengthening the facilities at Kabir Chaura Hospital or a speciality hospital for the senior citizens and government servants or medical colleges, Shri Modi said there was a lot of work done in the healthcare sector in the last decade. He added that there was a modern health facility even for the treatment of cancer patients in Varanasi. Shri Modi highlighted that the patients were getting good medical treatment in Varanasi itself today as against the visit to Delhi or Mumbai previously. He added that thousands of people from Bihar, Jharkhand and other places were coming to Varanasi for treatment. The Prime Minister remarked that the erstwhile “Mokshadayini” (Salvation giver) Varanasi was transitioning to a  “NavJeevandayini” (New Life giver) Varanasi as well with new energy and resources. 

    Talking about previous governments, the Prime Minister remarked that healthcare facilities in Purvanchal including Varanasi were neglected. He added that the situation was such that 10 years ago, there were no block-level treatment centers for brain fever in Purvanchal leading to the death of Children causing hue and cry in the media. Shri Modi expressed satisfaction that in the last decade, there had been an unprecedented expansion of health facilities not only in Kashi but in the entire region of Purvanchal. He noted that today there were more than 100 such centers working to treat brain fever in Purvanchal and more than 10 thousand new beds have been added in the primary and community centers of Purvanchal in the last decade. He further noted that in 10 years, more than 5 and a half thousand Ayushman Arogya Mandirs were built in the villages of Purvanchal. The Prime Minister also said that there were more than 20 dialysis units working today which were providing free treatment to patients as compared to 10 years ago when there were no dialysis facilities in the district hospitals of Purvanchal.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that India of the 21st century has shed the old mentality and approach pertaining to healthcare. He underlined the five pillars of India’s healthcare strategy namely preventive healthcare, timely diagnosis, free medicines and treatment, better healthcare facilities and adequate doctors in small towns and lastly expansive use of technology in healthcare services.

    Underlining that preventing people from ailments is the highest priority and a first pillar of India’s healthcare policy, the Prime Minister pointed out that diseases tend to make people poorer. Noting that 25 crore people have risen out of poverty in the last 10 years, Shri Modi said that one serious ailment can push them back towards poverty. Therefore, said the Prime Minister, the Government is paying special attention to cleanliness, Yoga, ayurveda and nutrition. Highlighting the expansive reach of the vaccination drive, the Prime Minister pointed out that vaccination coverage remained only around 60 percent ten years ago when crores of children were left out. He lamented the scope of vaccination increasing at a rate of only one to one and a half percent every year and said that it would have taken another 40-50 years to bring every area and every child under the vaccination coverage. He said that the present government prioritized increasing the coverage of vaccination among children and mentioned Mission Indradhanush which involved many ministries working together resulting in an increase in vaccination coverage rate and taking the services to crores of pregnant women and children. He said that the benefits of the Government’s emphasis on vaccination were visible during the covid pandemic while today, this vaccination campaign is going on rapidly across the country.

    The Prime Minister underlined the importance of early detection of disease and mentioned the establishment of lakhs of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country to detect many diseases like cancer and diabetes at the very beginning. He said that a network of critical care blocks and modern labs are also being built in the country today. “This second pillar of the health sector is saving the lives of lakhs of people”, he added. 

    Explaining the third pillar of health being low-cost treatment and cheap medicines, the Prime Minister underlined that the average expenditure on the treatment of diseases has been reduced by 25 percent and also mentioned PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras where medicines are available at 80 percent discount. He informed that the price of heart stents, knee implants and cancer medicines have been significantly reduced while Ayushman Yojana provides free treatment for the poor up to Rs 5 lakh proving to be a lifesaver. He informed that more than 7.5 crore patients have so far availed the benefit of free treatment under Ayushman Yojana.  

    Elaborating the fourth pillar of the health sector. Shri Modi noted that it was going to reduce the dependence on big cities like Delhi-Mumbai for treatment. He added that the Government had established hospitals like AIIMS, medical colleges and super speciality hospitals in small cities in the last decade. The Prime Minister also noted that thousands of new medical seats were added in the last decade to overcome the shortage of doctors in the country. He added that the Government had decided to add 75 thousand more seats in the next 5 years.

    The Prime Minister explained the fifth pillar of the health sector was to make health facilities more accessible through technology. He added that today digital health IDs were being created and patients were provided the facility of consultation at home through means like e-Sanjeevani app. Expressing happiness, Shri Modi noted that till now more than 30 crore people had been consulted with the help of e-Sanjeevani app. He added that India was also moving towards connecting health services with drone technology.

    Concluding the address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that a healthy and capable young generation will fulfill the resolve of a Viksit Bharat. Shri Modi conveyed his best wishes, especially to India’s doctors, paramedics and other staff.

    Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath and Jagadguru Peethadipathi of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Kanchipuram, Sri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi were present on the occasion among others. 

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J.P. Nadda inaugurates the “Medicine Update BJMFCON 2024”, organized by the Bihar & Jharkhand Medical Forum (BJMF)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J.P. Nadda inaugurates the “Medicine Update BJMFCON 2024”, organized by the Bihar & Jharkhand Medical Forum (BJMF)

    Out of total 1.73 lakh high-quality Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in India, 10,716 are in Bihar with a footfall of 8.35 crore and 4.36 crore non-communicable disease (NCD) screenings, 3,825 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in Jharkhand with a footfall of 2.33 crore and 2.12 crore NCD screenings: Shri Nadda

    “Infant Mortality Rate in Bihar came down from 42 to 27 in 2020, and in Jharkhand, from 34 to 25 in 2020”

    “157 District hospitals converted to medical colleges in India, out of which 8 were in Bihar (in Purnia, Saran, Samastipur, Jhajharpur, Siwan, Buxar, and Jamui) and 5 in Jharkhand (in Dumka, Hazaribagh, Palamu, Chaibasa, and Kodarma)”

    “The Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) is being redeveloped into Asia’s second-largest hospital”

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 4:49PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J.P. Nadda inaugurated the “Medicine Update BJMFCON 2024”, organized by the Bihar & Jharkhand Medical Forum (BJMF), here today. As the chief guest at the event, Shri Nadda also released the ‘Souvenir and BJMF Directory’.

    Bihar & Jharkhand Medical Forum (BJMF) is a socio-scientific organization of doctors from the states of Bihar & Jharkhand practicing in the Delhi NCR Region for long and serving the people of the region. The first Medicine Update was held in 2023. The 2ndMedicine Update BJMFCON was held today.

     

     

    Addressing the BJMFCON 2024, Shri Nadda stated that “I am delighted to know that BJMF takes its socio, academic and scientific program ahead. You all have not just become doctors for yourself but also have given back to society. United efforts have been made by you to ensure outreach to society while also enlightening yourself through such conferences, continued medical education, seminars, group discussions, and panel discussions conducted by the BJMF.”

     

     

    Highlighting the government’s efforts in transforming the health landscape of the country, Shri Nadda stated that “under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government is taking steps to ensure high quality and affordable healthcare facilities to all” and “is committed to implementing a comprehensive health policy that provides holistic, inclusive, preventive, promotive, curative, palliative and rehabilitative care to all.”

     

    Underlining the government’s efforts on preventive aspects of healthcare and early detection of diseases in the country, he stated that, “there are 1.73 lakh high-quality Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in India that go through a digital high-quality assessment. Out of the total Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in India, 10,716 are in Bihar with a footfall of 8.35 crore and 4.36 crore non-communicable disease (NCD) screenings, while there are 3,825 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in Jharkhand with a footfall of 2.33 crore and 2.12 crore NCD screenings.”

     

     

    Highlighting the strides made in mother and child health, he stated that “institutional deliveries increased from 78.9% to 88.6% in first 5 years of Modi Government”, Shri Nadda stated that “the infant mortality rate (IMR) has declined in the country. IMR in India was 28 per 1000 live births in 2020.  In Bihar, it came down from 42 to 27 in 2020, and in Jharkhand, from 34 to 25 in 2020. The under 5 Mortality Rate was 32 per 1000 live births in India in 2020. In Bihar, it came down from 53 to 30 in 2020 and from 44 to 27 in 2020, in Jharkhand.”

     

    He further added that “from 387 before 2014 to 766, an increase of 98% in the number of medical colleges has been ensured under the Prime Minister’s leadership. 157 District hospitals were converted to medical colleges out of which 8 were in Bihar in Purnia, Saran, Samastipur, Jhajharpur, Siwan, Buxar, and Jamui. 5 of these were in Jharkhand in Dumka, Hazaribagh, Palamu, Chaibasa, and Kodarma.” He emphasized that “the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) is being redeveloped into Asia’s second-largest hospital.”

     

    He added that “The number of MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) seats has seen an increase of 125% i.e. from 51,348 before 2014 to 1,15, 412. While there has been an increase of 134% in postgraduate (PG) seats from 31,185 before 2014 to 73,111.”

     

    He also highlighted that “under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) to correct regional imbalances in the availability of affordable/ reliable tertiary healthcare services and also to augment facilities for quality medical education in the country new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will be opened up in Patna and Darbhanga in Bihar and at Deoghar in Jharkhand.” He also added that “under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the world’s largest health insurance scheme, Rs. 86,797 crores worth of treatment has been authorized. As part of its commitment to senior care, the government has extended Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY to all seniors aged 70 and above which facilitates them accessing up to ₹5 lakh of healthcare benefits.”

     

     

    He commended the healthcare providers “for their relentless efforts to ensure the accessibility of healthcare services even in the remotest areas of the country” and highlighted their efforts and service during the COVID-19 pandemic. He concluded his remarks by thanking the doctors for their contribution to providing healthcare to the people and ensuring the achievements of the government in this direction and urged the participants of the programme to come up with concrete recommendations for improving healthcare facilities in the country.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: World Iodine Deficiency Day

    Source: Government of India (2)

    World Iodine Deficiency Day

    Strengthening Public Health through Awareness and Action

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 4:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    World Iodine Deficiency Day, also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, is observed annually on 21st October. The day aims to raise awareness about the essential role of iodine in maintaining good health and to emphasize the consequences of iodine deficiency. This document outlines the importance of iodine in daily nutrition and its crucial significance in preventing iodine deficiency disorders.

    What is Iodine?

     

    Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism and are crucial for fetal and infant development. Found in foods and iodized salt, iodine exists in several forms, including sodium and potassium salts, inorganic iodine (I2), iodate, and iodide. Iodide, the most common form, is quickly absorbed in the stomach and used by the thyroid for hormone production. Most excess iodide is excreted through urine.

     

    What happens in Iodine Deficiency?

     

    Iodine deficiency has multiple adverse effects on growth and development and is the most common cause of preventable intellectual disability in the world. Iodine deficiency disorders result from inadequate thyroid hormone production secondary to insufficient iodine. During pregnancy and early infancy, iodine deficiency can cause irreversible effects.

    • If a person’s iodine intake falls below approximately 10–20 mcg/day,

    hypothyroidism occurs, a condition that is frequently accompanied by goitre.

    Goitre is usually the earliest clinical sign of iodine deficiency.

    • In pregnant women, iodine deficiency of this magnitude can cause major

     neurodevelopmental deficits and growth retardation in the fetus as well as

     miscarriage and stillbirth.

    • Chronic, severe iodine deficiency in utero causes cretinism, a condition

    characterized by intellectual disability, deaf mutism, motor spasticity,

     stunted growth, delayed sexual maturation, and other physical and

    neurological abnormalities.

    • In infants and children, less severe iodine deficiency can also cause

     neurodevelopmental deficits such as somewhat lower than average intelligence

     as measured by IQ.

    • Mild to moderate maternal iodine deficiency has also been associated with an

    increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.

    • In adults, mild to moderate iodine deficiency can cause goiter as well as

    impaired mental function and work productivity secondary to hypothyroidism.

    • Chronic iodine deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of the

    follicular form of thyroid cancer.

     

    National Efforts to Eradicate Iodine Deficiency

    Recognizing the serious health implications of iodine deficiency, the Government of India initiated national efforts to combat the problem through the National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP) in 1962. This program marked a significant step toward addressing iodine deficiency, which was linked to conditions such as mental and physical retardation, cretinism, and stillbirths.

     

    In 1992, the program was broadened and renamed the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) to cover a wider range of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and ensure its implementation across all States and Union Territories.

     

    Primary goals of NIDDCP include:

    • Reducing the prevalence of IDD to below 5% nationwide.
    • Achieving 100% consumption of adequately iodized salt (with 15 ppm of iodine) at the household level.

     

    To accomplish these goals, the programme focuses on several key objectives:

     

    • Conducting surveys to assess the magnitude of IDD in different districts.
    • Replacing common salt with iodized salt in affected regions.
    • Conducting resurveys every five years to measure the impact of iodized salt on IDD.
    • Monitoring iodized salt quality and urinary iodine excretion through laboratory testing.
    • Promoting health education and public awareness about iodine’s role in preventing IDD.

     

    A major policy decision was made in 1984 to iodize all edible salt in India, which became a phased initiative starting in 1986. By 1992, the country aimed to fully transition to iodized salt. Today, India produces 65 lakh metric tonnes of iodized salt annually, which is sufficient to meet the needs of its population. This ongoing national effort underscores the government’s commitment to eradicating iodine deficiency and improving public health.

     

    Achievements of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP)

     

    The implementation of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) has led to significant achievements in the reduction of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) across India:

     

    • Reduction in Total Goiter Rate (TGR): The programme has substantially reduced the Total Goiter Rate, a key indicator of iodine deficiency, across the country.
    • Increased Iodized Salt Production & Consumption: The production of iodized salt has reached 65 lakh metric tonnes (MT) annually, which is sufficient to meet the dietary needs of the Indian population.
    • Regulatory Measures: Under Regulation 2.3.12 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulation, 2011, the sale of common salt for direct human consumption is prohibited unless the salt is iodized, ensuring nationwide use of iodized salt.
    • Establishment of Monitoring Laboratories: A National Reference Laboratory for monitoring iodine deficiency disorders has been established at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi, along with four regional laboratories at NIN, Hyderabad, AIIH&PH, Kolkata, AIIMS, and NCDC, Delhi. These laboratories conduct training, monitoring, and quality control of salt and urine testing for iodine levels.
    • State-Level Implementation: 35 States/UTs have set up IDD Control Cells within their respective State Health Directorates, and an equal number have established State IDD Monitoring Laboratories to ensure effective implementation of the programme.
    • Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Activities: Extensive IEC campaigns have been carried out to raise public awareness about the importance of regularly consuming iodized salt to prevent IDD.

    Global efforts to combat iodine deficiency

     

    Global efforts to combat iodine deficiency have been significant, with initiatives like Iodine Deficiency Day focusing on raising awareness about the critical role iodine plays in thyroid function, growth, and development. Globally, an estimated 1.88 billion people are at risk of inadequate iodine intake, impacting nearly 30% of school-aged children. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have championed universal salt iodization since 1993, resulting in over 120 countries adopting iodization programs.

    These concerted efforts have led to a significant reduction in iodine deficiency disorders across India, contributing to the improvement of public health.

     

    Conclusion

     

    In conclusion, World Iodine Deficiency Day serves as a reminder of the progress made in preventing iodine deficiency disorders through national initiatives like NIDDCP and global efforts spearheaded by WHO and UNICEF. Continued and monitoring will ensure sustained success, ultimately contributing to healthier populations and improved quality of life worldwide!

     

     

    References

    https://nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/programmes/ndcp/niddcp/revised_guidelines.pdf

    Click here to download PDF

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EPFO Adds 18.53 Lakh Net Members During August 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    EPFO Adds 18.53 Lakh Net Members During August 2024

    9.3 Lakh New Members Enrolled with EPFO during August 2024

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 4:07PM by PIB Delhi

    The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has released provisional payroll data for August 2024, revealing a net addition of 18.53 lakh members in the month of August 2024. This represents a 9.07% year-on-year growth compared to August 2023, signifying increased employment opportunities and heightened awareness of employee benefits, bolstered by EPFO’s effective outreach initiatives.

    New Membership:

    EPFO enrolled around 9.30 lakh new members in August 2024, representing an increase of 0.48% in the new members from the previous year in August 2023. This surge in new memberships can be attributed to growing employment opportunities, increased awareness of emp1oyee benefits, and EPFO ‘s successful outreach programs.

    Group 18-25 Leads New Membership:

    A noticeable aspect of the data is the dominance of the 18-25 age group, constituting a significant 59.26% of the total new members added in August 2024. In addition, the net payroll data for the age group 18-25 for August 2024 is 8.06 lakhs. This is in consonance with the earlier trend which indicates that most individuals joining the organized workforce are youth, primarily first-time job seekers.

    Rejoining Members:

    The payroll data highlights that approximately 13.54 lakh members exited and subsequently rejoined EPFO. This figure depicts year-over-year growth of 14.03% compared to August 2023. These members switched their jobs and re-joined the establishments covered under the ambit of EPFO and opted to transfer their accumulations instead of applying for final settlement thus, safeguarding long-term financial well-being and extending their social security protection.

    Growth in Female Membership:

    Gender-wise analysis of payroll data unveils that out of the new members added during the month, around 2.53 lakhs are new female members. This figure exhibits year-over-year growth of 3.75% compared to August 2023. Also, the net female member addition during the month stood at around 3.79 lakh. It reflects a year over year growth of 10.41% compared to August 2023. The surge in female member additions is indicative of a broader shift towards a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

    State-wise Contribution:

    State-wise analysis of payroll data denotes that net member addition in the top five states/ UTs constitutes around 59.17% of net member addition, adding a total around 10.97 lakh net members during the month. Of all the states, Maharashtra is leading by adding 20.59% of net members during the month. The states/UTs of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh individually added more than 5% of the total net members during the month.

    Industry-wise Trends:

    Month-on-month comparison of industry-wise data displays significant growth in the members working in establishments engaged in the industries viz. Trading – commercial establishments, Engineers – engg. contractors, Building and construction industry, Agriculture farms, Beedi making etc. Of the total net membership, around 40.36% addition is from expert services (consisting of manpower suppliers, normal contractors, security services, miscellaneous activities etc.).

    The above payroll data is provisional since data generation is a continuous exercise, as updating employee record is a continuous process. The previous data gets updated every month. From the month of April 2018, EPFO has been releasing payroll data covering the period October 2017 onwards. In monthly payroll data, the count of members joining EPFO for the first time through Aadhaar validated Universal Account Number (UAN), existing members exiting from coverage of EPFO and those who exited but re-joined as members, is taken to arrive at net monthly payroll.

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    Himanshu Pathak

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ITU Kaleidoscope 2024 – Pioneering Innovation and Global Collaboration

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ITU Kaleidoscope 2024 – Pioneering Innovation and Global Collaboration

    Highest-ever number of paper received

    Event underscores the India’s role in developing indigenous technologies for global markets

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 5:04PM by PIB Delhi

     

    The 15th ITU Kaleidoscope Academic Conference, themed “Innovation and Digital Transformation for a Sustainable World”, will begin from tomorrow (October 21, 2024) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in global telecommunications research and standards development. Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), this prestigious event runs from October 21 to 23, 2024, and brings together the brightest minds in academia, industry, and government to discuss cutting-edge developments in 5G, AI, IoT, quantum communications, and other transformative technologies.

    Kaleidoscope 2024 stands out as a key platform for fostering innovation and collaboration in digital transformation and telecommunications. This year’s event has attracted the highest-ever number of paper submissions, reflecting the growing global interest in shaping the future of digital infrastructure and telecommunications standards. More than 140 papers have been received, a record-breaking number for the event, showcasing groundbreaking research that addresses global challenges, including sustainability, digital inclusion, and security.

    Key Highlights of Kaleidoscope 2024:

    1. Top Three Papers to Be Awarded with CHF 2000 Each
      The top three selected papers will receive a cash prize of CHF 2000 each, recognizing the most innovative and impactful research contributions in the field of telecommunications. These papers have been carefully chosen by a distinguished committee of experts from across the world. The winning papers explore pivotal advancements in areas like quantum communication, network security, and 5G applications.
    2. Recognition for Young Authors

    In a special effort to promote and encourage the next generation of researchers, ITU will also be recognizing young authors of the selected papers by awarding them with certificates of excellence. This initiative underscores ITU’s commitment to fostering young talent and advancing telecommunications research that contributes to global digital transformation.

    1. Three Days of Thought Leadership
      The conference will feature a series of technical sessions and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics such as network architectures for 6G, AI’s role in healthcare, IoT for smart cities, and quantum cryptography. These sessions will see participation from leading experts and key stakeholders, who will address both the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies.
    2. Focus on Global Standards

    As part of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24), Kaleidoscope 2024 will also emphasize the need for international collaboration in setting global standards for next-generation technologies. The event will highlight the critical importance of ensuring that these technologies are implemented in a way that is inclusive, secure, and sustainable for all.

    1. Panel Discussions on Day 3 On October 23rd, the final day of the conference, two panel discussions will take place. The first will focus on “Connecting the remaining 3 billions”. The second will explore the role of youths in global standards development, with objective of enhancing participation & contributions from youths in telecommunications and technology standards.

    India’s Role in the Global Telecommunications Ecosystem

    Hosting this year’s Kaleidoscope, India continues to demonstrate its growing leadership in the global digital ecosystem. Through key initiatives like Digital India and Make in India, the country has positioned itself as a critical hub for innovation in digital infrastructure. Kaleidoscope 2024 not only highlights India’s advancements in 5G deployment but also underscores the country’s role in developing indigenous technologies for global markets.

    As New Delhi becomes the focal point for global discussions on telecommunications, the city is poised to set the agenda for future collaborations that will drive innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in digital technologies worldwide.

    About ITU Kaleidoscope

    ITU Kaleidoscope is an annual event that has been instrumental in bridging the gap between academia and industry, promoting the exchange of ideas that contribute to the global standardization of telecommunications technologies. Since its inception in 2008, Kaleidoscope has become one of the most influential platforms for discussing the future of digital communications, providing a space where researchers and innovators can present their most promising work.

    Visit the official ITU Kaleidoscope 2024 website at https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/academia/kaleidoscope/2024/Pages/default.aspx or simply type ITU Kaleidoscope 2024 in google and select the first displayed website for detailed information on the event program, speakers, and sessions.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Coal to Host Star Rating Awards Ceremony, Stakeholder Consultation on MDOs, and Release of Coal Directory on October 21, 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 3:40PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Coal is organizing the Star Rating Awards Ceremony, Stakeholder Consultation on Mining Developers cum Operators (MDOs), and the Release of the Coal Directory of India on October 21, 2024 at Scope Convention Centre, Scope Complex, Lodhi road, New Delhi. These events aim to recognize the exceptional performance of coal and lignite mines, foster engagement with key stakeholders, and provide valuable insights into the coal sector. Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, with Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, as the Guest of Honour.

    The Star Rating Awards acknowledge the outstanding performance of coal and lignite mines, aiming to promote responsible mining practices, enhance industry standards, and ensure sustainable growth in the sector. The Ministry has established a comprehensive Star Rating mechanism that evaluates mines across seven key modules: Mining Operations, Environmental Factors, Adoption of Technologies-Best Mining Practices, Economic Performance, Rehabilitation & Resettlement, Worker-Related Compliance, and Safety & Security.

    The Star Ratings are awarded on a scale from Five Star to No Star, based on the holistic assessment of each mine’s performance. The ratings cover three categories of mines: Underground Mines (UG), Opencast Mines (OC), and Mixed Mines. For the year 2022-23, total 380 mines have participated in star rating award and 43 mines have qualified for the prestigious Five Star Rating, scoring more than 91%. Among them, 4 mines have been ranked for 1st, 2 mines ranked 2nd, and 6 mines ranked for 3rd prizes. No mines have been qualified under the mixed category for this year.

    The Ministry of Coal will also host a Stakeholder Consultation on Mining Developers cum Operators (MDOs), focusing on streamlining operations, enhancing productivity, and reducing mining costs. The primary objective of this consultation is to engage MDOs to significantly boost coal production, reduce the country’s reliance on imported coal, and introduce cutting-edge technology in the mining sector. Ministry of Coal is committed to advancing the coal sector through enhanced collaboration with key stakeholders, including Mining Developers cum Operators (MDOs). This consultation is a crucial platform for open dialogue between the Ministry and MDOs, ensuring that industry best practices are shared and adopted to achieve a more streamlined and productive coal-mining ecosystem. The stakeholders’ consultation aims to identify and address the operational challenges faced by MDOs, such as logistical bottlenecks, regulatory compliance, and the coordination between public and private stakeholders. By engaging with MDOs, the Ministry of Coal aims to build a robust and forward-looking coal sector that can meet the nation’s growing energy requirements while maintaining high standards of safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. This stakeholder consultation serves as a strategic initiative to harness the strengths of MDOs and ensure that India’s coal mining industry remains competitive and resilient in a dynamic global landscape.

    Further, the event will feature the iGOT Awards (Integrated Government Online Training) under the Ministry of Mines. The Ministry of Coal will also release the Coal Directory of India, a comprehensive repository offering insights into coal and lignite production, sectoral dispatches, and other critical aspects of the coal industry. Additionally, Swachhata Awards will be presented during the event. These awards highlight the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and sustainability in the coal industry, in alignment with the Swachh Bharat mission.

    These events underscore the Ministry of Coal’s commitment to enhancing the performance of coal and lignite mines, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring the availability of accurate data for stakeholders. Through these efforts, the Ministry continues to drive the growth and development of the Indian coal sector.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Khelo India has significantly increased the number of female athletes in national events : Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

    Source: Government of India

    Khelo India has significantly increased the number of female athletes in national events : Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

    Union Minister inaugurates newly constructed 300-bedded girls’ hostel at SAI RC LNCPE

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 3:23PM by PIB Thiruvananthpuram

    Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today said that Khelo India ASMITA Women league has significantly increased the number of female athletes participating in national events. The minister was inaugurating the newly constructed 300-bedded girls’ hostel at SAI RC LNCPE, Thiruvananthapuram. Union Minister also emphasized that this reflects a significant investment in the future of our young women athletes. He also noted that India is targeting a place in the top 10 of the medal tally at the 2036 Olympics.

    The Minister urged athletes not to view sports as merely a path to a government job, stressing that they should play for the country, win medals, and bring glory to the nation. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Panch Pran underscoring that winning a medal brings honor not just to the individual and their loved ones but to the entire country, which collectively takes pride in such achievements.

    The hostel is constructed under the Khelo India creation and up-gradation of Infrastructure projects. The project, awarded to M/s WAPCOS, was completed within the budget Rs. 32.88 Crores. Since 2014, the Khelo India scheme has successfully completed 202 infrastructure projects, with an additional 121 projects underway. 

    Designed in a pentagon shape, the hostel comprises five blocks, each featuring ground plus three storeys. This innovative architecture maximizes space while fostering a vibrant and welcoming environment. The facility includes a centralized kitchen capable of serving 108 dining guests, along with storage rooms, staff dormitories, and dedicated washing areas.

    As part of the event, Union Minister felicitated sportspersons who have represented India in Olympics, Asiad and other international games. Arjuna awardees Padmini Thomas, S Omanakumari, Geethu Anna Jose, Saji Thomas and V Diju received the honour from the minister.

    Dr. G. Kishore, Principal & Regional Head, SAI RC LNCPE and K.M. Beenamol were also present. Dr. G. Kishore explained about the campus and it’s achievements in the function.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India to become one among the top 10 performing countries in sports : Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

    Source: Government of India

    India to become one among the top 10 performing countries in sports : Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

    Union Minister inaugurates upgraded SAI Trivandrum Golf Course

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 12:50PM by PIB Thiruvananthpuram

    Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today said that India is set to become one among the top ten performing countries in the world in the field of sports. The minister was inaugurating the upgraded SAI Golf Course at Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram. Union Minister also emphasized the significance of the Trivandrum Golf Club as a cherished community and a symbol of sporting excellence.

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya also said that Olympics 2036 in India will nurture the talent in the country. Minister stressed that healthy people will make healthy society, healthy society will be wealthy society. Sports will make people physically, mentaly and culturally fit. Keeping this in mind, we work out from district level through Khelo India programme.

    Union Minister expressed immense pride in the establishment of SAI National Golf Academy, first of its kind in Kerala. The National Golf Academy is equipped with world-class facilities such as a nine-hole international-standard golf course, state-of-the-art fitness centre and modern recreational amenities. 

    The minister visited and examined the upgraded Golf Course after inauguration, and further explored the course by playing golf. The upgraded Golf Course has been established by the approval of the Ministry of Tourism in line with the Government of India’s commitment to enhancing sporting infrastructure, on March 31, 2017. An allocation of Rs. 9.27 crore was made to SAI’s Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education (LNCPE), and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has successfully completed this ambitious project, further elevating the club’s standards to meet international benchmarks.

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated international athletes of SAI, Thiruvananthapuram, as part of the event. Shri Suresh Gopi, Minister of state for Tourism & Minister of state for Petroleum and Natural Gas, presided over the function. While addressing the audience, thr minister of state said that the Golf club and Tennis club of Trivandrum has brought real talents from the lowest strata of society.

    Smt. Sarada Muraleedharan, Chief secretary, Government of Kerala, Shri. Suman Billa IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Shri S.N. Raghuchandran Nair, Secretary, SAI TGC attended the event.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Chem 2024 concludes today in Mumbai

    Source: Government of India (2)

    India Chem 2024 concludes today in Mumbai

    India’s chemical and petrochemical industry is projected to surpass $300 billion by 2028 and is on track to reach $1 trillion by 2040: Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 2:06PM by PIB Delhi

    The three-day event ‘India Chem-2024’ which was inaugurated on 17th concludes in Mumbai today.

    Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, while addressing the keynote session in the august presence of the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, highlighted the key role of the chemical and petrochemical sector in the economy, contributing over 9% to manufacturing gross value added and 7% to total exports. Shri Nadda stipulated that India’s chemical and petrochemical industry is projected to surpass $300 billion by 2028 and is on track to reach $1 trillion by 2040. He added that the sector will play a key role towards Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s goal of ‘ViksitBharat@2047”. He emphasized the importance of reducing reliance on imported feedstocks and focusing on alternative feed stocks, while also ensuring that India leads the global shift toward greener technologies. He noted that sustainability is the future of the industry and that India must take the lead in the adoption of circular economy principles. Referring to the need for more emphasis on R&D, safety and skilling, he elaborated upon the various steps being taken by the Government to boost innovation and investment. He assured the industry that the Government shall leave no stone unturned in realizing the full potential of the Indian Chemical and Petrochemical industry.

    Shri Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, remarked on Gujarat’s leadership in exports of chemicals and petrochemicals, and referred to the Government’s efforts to establish India as a leading destination for the chemical industry, fostering collaboration and excellence for a prosperous future. Shri Mohan CharanMajhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, highlighted Odisha’s strategic position as a rising hub for the chemical industry. Alluding to the strong infrastructure and highly skilled workforce available in Odisha, he invited industry leaders to explore the vast opportunities offered by the State. Shri Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, while speaking about his State’s leadership in the sector, highlighted the efforts being made by the State Government to further boost the development of the sector and create more employment opportunities.

    Ms. Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, formally inaugurated the exhibition, which brought together over 150 exhibitors, from different industry segments. In her address at the keynote session, she mentioned that India’s manufacturing sector has shown remarkable growth, fueled by progressive policy reforms and rising domestic demand and that FDI has played a pivotal role in enhancing the growth and competitiveness of India’s chemical sector, which includes petrochemicals and specialty chemicals. The country has become an attractive destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), allowing 100% FDI in manufacturing through the automatic route. Over the past decade, she mentioned that the sector has attracted US $12.48 billion in investments in this sector alone.

    Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Government of India elaborated on the event theme of ‘Advantage Bharat’ and how the Indian Chemical and Petrochemical sector has been paving the future of the Indian economy towards the goal of Viksit Bharat@2047. She drew attention to the various measures undertaken by the Government towards boosting infrastructure, including railways, roads and ports, logistics infrastructure as well as digital infrastructure as also initiatives to promote green economy and circularity.  All these measures would enhance productivity and boost exports. In this context, she referred to various policy initiatives undertaken by the Department such as the Scheme for Centers of Excellence, PCPIRs, Quality Control Orders etc.,

    Shri Deepak Mehta, Chairman, FICCI National Chemical Committee, stated that India is at a pivotal point of growth, with the chemical industry set to expand significantly. Shri Nikhil Meswani, Executive Director, Reliance Limited, highlighted the importance of chemicals to modern life, stating that it is the backbone of future development in agriculture, electronics, and beyond.

    This was followed by a Global CEOs’ Conclave, presided over by the Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers, wherein industry leaders from across the globe discussed the opportunities and challenges of the Indian chemical industry. The session witnessed insightful discussions and knowledge sharing, addressing key challenges and opportunities within the sector, with discussion on the meaningful discussion on the strengths of the Indian economy and possible interventions which may help propel the sector forward in the coming years.

    The Petrochemicals Forum was presided over by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India. The session was participated in by leading Indian and global industry leaders including Exxon Mobil, Reliance Limited, IOCL and SABIC, amongst others. The Minister said India’s per capita petrochemical consumption is far below developed nations, offering significant opportunities for higher investment in the sector. Stating that Indian companies have committed investments of more than $ 50 billion in the near future, he opined that India’s petrochemicals production is projected to increase from 29.62 million tons to 46 million tons by 2030.

    This event, organized jointly by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals and FICCI, provided a platform for brainstorming discussions amongst industry leaders and Government representatives on specific topics of relevance to the sector, facilitating dialogue on investment prospects, regulatory frameworks, and strategic challenges.

    One of the largest exhibition cum conferences for chemical and petrochemical industries not just in India, but in Asia, this edition of India-Chem was held with the theme of “Advantage Bharat: Indian Chemicals and Petrochemicals Paving the Future”.

    The exhibition consisted of pavilions from leading Indian and global companies in the sector, several Indian States including Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, and also saw international participation from about 22 countries, including Belarus, Saudi Arabia, Germany and the Netherlands, with a footfall over more than 7,500 people across 3 days. Netherlands, with whom India shares a robust trade relationship, particularly in the chemical and petrochemical sector, was a partner country for the event.

    There were several sessions on issues ranging from dyes, and agrochemicals, to petrochemicals, which saw discussions on the latest developments in the field, as well as on the importance of innovation and adoption of sustainable practices. Besides, there were dedicated sessions focusing on geography-specific issues including the India-EU, India-East Asia, and India-US Chemicals & Petrochemicals Forums, bringing together key stakeholders from each of these regions. These sessions enabled in-depth discussions on market insights, regulatory landscapes, and investment trends shaping the future of the sector, while also providing an opportunity to the participants to forge possible strategic partnerships which transcend geographical boundaries, thereby exploring new avenues to accelerate growth in the chemical and petrochemical sector.

    On its third and final day, the event hosted an engaging job fair featuring 14 leading chemical companies from different sectors  such as  ABB Instruments Pvt Ltd., Aarti Industries, Dhanuka Agrotech, Atul Limited, Crystal Crop Care, etc. and students from CIPET – Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology, which functions under the ambit of the Department of chemicals and petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. Institute is responsible for providing skilling through various undergraduate and postgraduate courses to almost 65,000 students per year.  During the job fair, the students of CIPET got an opportunity to interact with the industry to explore possible career prospects. This served as an exciting platform bringing together students and potential employers in the chemical industry, helping the students gain insights into the future of the sector.

     

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    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2066478) Visitor Counter : 21

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Health – WHO welcomes health ministers to Manila to consider a new vision and actions to improve health in the Region

    Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

    The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western Pacific today welcomed ministers, other senior health officials and key partners from across the Western Pacific to the seventy-fifth session of its Regional Committee. WHO’s governing body for the Region convenes every year to formulate policies, adopt resolutions and make decisions to improve the health of more than 1.9 billion people living in the Western Pacific.

    WHO’s Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala – the first Pacific islander to be elected to the position – welcomed health leaders to the first Regional Committee under his tenure.

    “As the first Regional Director from the Pacific, the challenges we’re discussing – such as rising sea levels and increasingly frequent disasters – are realities that my loved ones and fellow Pacific islanders live with every day,” said Dr Piukala. “I’m keenly aware of the enormity of the work ahead of us, but with mutual trust and support we can meet these challenges.”

    Dr Piukala’s address covered key updates on WHO’s work with countries and partners across the Region from July 2023 to June 2024. He also introduced a draft vision for improving health in the Region, to guide WHO’s work with Member States over the coming five-year period.

    “This vision, jointly developed by WHO and Member States, is a testament to the beauty, strength and diversity of this Region,” said Dr Piukala. “Guided by this vision, we will work together and with our partners to build a sustainable, resilient and healthy future for all people in the Western Pacific.”

    Cook Islands Minister of Health, the Honourable Vainetutai Rose Toki Brown, was elected Chairperson of this year’s session of the Regional Committee. Viet Nam Vice Minister of Health, Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, was elected Vice-Chairperson.

    Hon. Toki Brown thanked the delegates for their trust and confidence in electing her as Chairperson, and she added: “This is a special year. It is the first Regional Committee meeting with the new Regional Director, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, at the helm, and we have a lot of important ground to cover.”

    She went on to say, “I know that you are all committed to the health of this Region, and I know you agree on the value of us convening here as members of the World Health Organization. The success of our new regional vision relies upon the mutual accountability of Member States and WHO. Thank you again for your confidence in electing me as Chair of this important meeting. I am very much looking forward to our discussions.”

    A new vision for health in the Region

    The new vision, Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025−2029): Working together to improve health, well-being and save lives, is being presented to Member States for their endorsement. The vision centres on the analogy of the weaving of a mat − a traditional activity across Asia and the Pacific – symbolizing the collaborative efforts required by WHO, governments and partners to improve the health and well-being of the people of the Region. The vision comprises five vertical strands of action led by governments, interwoven with three horizontal strands of action by WHO over the coming five years.

    The five vertical strands of action led by governments, working with WHO and other stakeholders, include:

    1. Transformative primary health care for universal health coverage

    2. Climate-resilient health systems

    3. Resilient communities, societies and systems for health security

    4. Healthier people throughout the life course

    5. Technology and innovation for future health equity.

    The three horizontal strands of action by WHO are:

    1. Country offices equipped with skills for scaling up and innovation

    2. Nimble support teams in the Regional Office

    3. Effective communication for public health.

    Action frameworks and panel discussions on priority issues

    The Regional Committee will also consider new regional action frameworks on digital health and on health financing to achieve universal health coverage and sustainable development. There will be panel discussions on climate resilient health-care facilities, transformative primary health care and oral health. In addition, there will be side events on topics including One Health, tobacco control and the Investment Round to resource WHO’s work over the next four years.

    Building climate-resilient health-care facilities

    Countries in the WHO Western Pacific Region are at risk from climate change and climate-related disasters. The health impacts of these vary depending on the resilience of communities and the health facilities that serve them.

    During a panel discussion at the Regional Committee today, delegates from Fiji, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Viet Nam emphasized the need to protect health by ensuring hospitals and clinics are climate resilient. The benefits of joining the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH) were highlighted as it provides a platform for countries to accelerate transformative action in building climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems by leveraging the collective expertise and resources of WHO Member States and other stakeholders.

    WHO is working with countries and areas across the Western Pacific to track progress in protecting health from climate change, helping with vulnerability assessments, developing and updating adaptation plans, and implementing climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health facility initiatives.

    Exhibitions to highlight health issues and WHO’s work

    Outside of the main agenda, a series of seven exhibitions was unveiled today on themes relevant to health and WHO’s work in the Region.

    An exhibit on health equity profiles allows delegates to view information on a particular country’s health indicators and explore their intricate association with social and geospatial factors. This should give users a better understanding of how to prioritize and implement strategies to achieve health for all.

    A special exhibit features collaborative art pieces made by staff at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office to mark World Sight Day 2024 and World Mental Health Day 2024. The paintings, representing an eye and a heart, symbolize what people most love to see in their lives and the importance of promoting mental health at work. WHO’s ongoing efforts to improve both eye health and mental health for all rely on an integrated approach, a theme central to the draft regional vision.

    The future of health museum exhibit showcases 15 “future artefacts” such as the “morning mat”, where communities would be encouraged to gather each morning to talk about their health and well-being, and the climate-controlled tuk-tuk, a futuristic three-seater electric vehicle that emits clean air rather than toxic exhaust. These were co-created through foresight activities involving WHO staff and partners. There are also 15 historical artefacts that celebrate public health milestones from the past 75 years.

    A series of models of climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health-care facilities will inform a panel discussion enabling delegates to explore innovative solutions to make health facilities more climate resilient and environmentally sustainable.

    An exhibit about strengthening health emergency response capacities shows WHO’s support for health emergency responses in the Region. It depicts operations support and logistics, emergency medical teams that can be deployed with field hospitals, the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network of experts, and public health emergency operations centres.

    The reaching the unreached map explorer in the Western Pacific Region features an interactive web-based map app that helps users find geographically underserved populations across the Region, shedding light on the health inequities they face. This exhibit emphasizes the critical role of data-driven health interventions to reach unreached populations.

    Finally, an exhibit about the dangers of new and emerging tobacco and nicotine products showcases examples of these products, describing the tactics used by the tobacco and related industries to entice children and young people to take up smoking and undermine tobacco control efforts. The exhibition also offers information on how countries and partners can prevent uptake of these products.

    Notes:

    The seventy-fifth session of the Western Pacific Regional Committee will run from Monday, 21 October, through Friday, 25 October, at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila, Philippines. The agenda and timetable are available online. A livestream of proceedings and all other official documents, as well as fact sheets and videos on the issues to be addressed, can be accessed here. For real-time updates, follow @WHOWPRO on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube and the hashtag #RCM75.

    Working with 194 Member States across six regions, WHO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for public health. Each WHO region has a regional committee – a governing body composed of ministers of health and senior officials from Member States. Each regional committee meets annually to agree on health actions and to chart priorities for WHO’s work.

    The WHO Western Pacific Region is home to more than 1.9 billion people across 37 countries and areas: American Samoa (United States of America), Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (France), Guam (United States of America), Hong Kong SAR (China), Japan, Kiribati, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Macao SAR (China), Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Caledonia (France), New Zealand, Niue, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (United States of America), Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Pitcairn Island (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), the Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Viet Nam, Wallis and Futuna (France).

    Related links:

    Report of the Regional Director The work of WHO in the Western Pacific Region, 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024
    Draft vision Weaving health for families, communities and societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025−2029): Working together to improve health and well-being and save lives
    Building climate resilience in health-care facilities (fact sheet, video)
    https://www.who.int/westernpacific/publications/m/item/building-climate-resilience-in-health-care-facilities

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – Japan: African Development Bank Celebrates Three Decades of Japan-Backed Trust Fund

    SOURCE: African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

    Over the past three decades, Japan has contributed JPY 5.3 billion ($ 37.4 million) to the PHRDG, supporting 107 projects, with 96 completed and 11 ongoing as of September 2024

    TOKYO, Japan, October 21, 2024/

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Health – Viet Nam eliminates trachoma as a public health problem – WHO

    Source: World Health Organization

    In a significant health milestone, Viet Nam has successfully eliminated trachoma. This remarkable achievement was validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a plaque was presented to the Vice Minister of Health of Viet Nam, Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, during the seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, which opened today in Manila.

    Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness globally. It is a preventable disease of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Trachoma is spread by flies and people can also become infected through direct contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person. With repeated infections, the eyelashes may be drawn in so that they rub on the surface of the eye, causing pain and damaging the cornea. Some affected individuals must undergo surgery to prevent blindness from the disease.

    Decades of concerted efforts

    Over the past 70 years, Viet Nam has worked tirelessly to combat trachoma, treating hundreds of thousands of people and implementing rigorous control measures. These efforts were significantly strengthened with the implementation of WHO’s SAFE strategy, which stands for surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement.

    Past surveys indicated that trachoma was a public health problem in four provinces in Viet Nam. Thirty years ago, 1.7% of people living in these high-risk provinces required surgery to prevent blindness from trachoma. However, by 2023 the proportion of adults with the blinding form of the disease had fallen below 0.2%, which is the threshold required for WHO validation of elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Continuous monitoring and the focused implementation of the SAFE strategy in the country, starting in 1999, have been instrumental in this decline.

    Trachoma elimination in Viet Nam was made possible through collaboration among several government agencies including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, with the support of WHO and international health partners including the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT),   the Fred Hollows Foundation, the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI), RTI International, UNICEF and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Viet Nam was one of the first group of countries to receive Pfizer-donated azithromycin   for trachoma elimination purposes through ITI, a donation that has been critical to global progress against trachoma.

    “Elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Viet Nam is a monumental achievement for the country and for the global fight against the disease,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Viet Nam’s health workers, including many working at community level. It underscores the power of collective action, innovative thinking and a shared commitment to a healthier future for all. I commend Viet Nam for its dedication and success in safeguarding the vision of millions.”

    “The elimination of trachoma in Viet Nam demonstrates the commitment of the Government, health workers and communities across the country,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, praising the achievement. “It is a shining example of how targeted interventions, strong partnerships and sustained effort can bring about real change in the health of populations.”

    A trachoma-free future

    WHO Representative to Viet Nam, Dr Angela Pratt, described trachoma as a disease of poverty. “Communities in remote areas without good access to safe water and sanitation were the worst affected. But Viet Nam has demonstrated that it is possible to reach the hardest-to-reach populations, make the right investments to protect people’s health and ensure a trachoma-free future.”

    Reflecting on this historic achievement, Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lien Huong said that the elimination of trachoma was a proud moment for Viet Nam. “The combined efforts of many agencies and communities, with the support of WHO and partner organizations, have saved thousands of people from lifelong blindness and economic disadvantage. Our children can now grow up safe from this painful and potentially blinding disease. This is a wonderful achievement for our people, which will pay dividends for decades to come. In this happy moment, on behalf of the Vietnamese people, I want to express our sincere thanks to all international partners who contributed great support to trachoma elimination in Viet Nam.”

    In 2018, Viet Nam eliminated lymphatic filariasis. The country has also made tremendous progress on combating malaria, which is now only found in pockets of areas and is close to being eliminated.

    Viet Nam’s success is part of broader progress in disease prevention in the WHO Western Pacific Region. Since the launch of WHO’s first road map for the prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in 2012, the Region has made significant strides in eliminating trachoma. Between 2016 and 2022, four out of the Region’s 11 trachoma-endemic countries were validated for trachoma elimination. Viet Nam becomes the fifth, joining Cambodia, China, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Vanuatu in recording this achievement, highlighting the importance of sustained efforts in tackling NTDs.

    WHO continues to support countries in the Region to eliminate trachoma and other NTDs as part of the global effort to improve health and well-being for all.

    Notes

    A certificate and plaque were presented to Viet Nam in recognition of this achievement during the seventy-fifth session of the Western Pacific Regional Committee taking place from Monday, 21 October, through Friday, 25 October, at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila, Philippines. The agenda and timetable of the Regional Committee meeting are available online. A livestream of proceedings, all other official documents, as well as fact sheets and videos on the issues to be addressed can be accessed here. For real-time updates, follow @WHOWPRO on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube and the hashtag #RCM75.

    Working with 194 Member States across six regions, WHO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for public health. Each WHO region has its regional committee – a governing body composed of ministers of health and senior officials from Member States. Each regional committee meets annually to agree on health actions and to chart priorities for WHO’s work.

    The WHO Western Pacific Region is home to more than 1.9 billion people across 37 countries and areas: American Samoa (United States of America), Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (France), Guam (United States of America), Hong Kong SAR (China), Japan, Kiribati, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Macao SAR (China), Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Caledonia (France), New Zealand, Niue, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (United States of America), Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Pitcairn Island (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), the Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Viet Nam, Wallis and Futuna (France).

    Related links:

    Fact sheet on trachoma: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/trachoma
    Global road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240010352

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to Launch ‘eShram-One Stop Solution’ for Unorganized Workers on October 21, 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 1:29PM by PIB Delhi

    In keeping with the vision of the recent Budget Announcement on developing eShram as a One-Stop-Solution for unorganized labour to have access to various social sector schemes, Union Minister of labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports will launch the ‘eShram-One Stop Solution’ on 21.10.2024.

    eShram-One Stop Solution will act as a mediator to ensure that unorganized workers have easy access to a variety of Government schemes/programs. This initiative will help unorganized workers become aware of the schemes designed for them.

    eShram-One Stop Solution aims to integrate information of beneficiaries of all social security and welfare schemes meant for unorganised workers in an effective manner through a single platform. eShram as a One-Stop-Solution will help to facilitate in identification and implementation of the Social Security & Welfare Schemes for the unorganised worker and to help saturation of the schemes in the fast and effective manner. Consequently, 12 schemes of different Central Ministries / Departments have already been integrated/ mapped with the eShram.

    Since the launch of e-Shram on August 26, 2021, it has achieved significant milestones with over 30 crore unorganized workers enrolled and it has demonstrated its widespread appeal among unorganized labour. This achievement underscores the social impact of the initiative and the Government’s commitment to supporting the nation’s unorganized workers.

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    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2066470) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Over 500 Cadets to embark on a 1,200 kms voyage along the Ganges and Hooghly rivers in a run-up to NCC Republic Day Camp-2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 12:55PM by PIB Delhi

    In a maiden initiative, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) is set to embark on its first-ever special sailing expedition, a flagship event leading up to the Republic Day Camp 2025. The expedition will involve 528 Naval Wing cadets from across India, sailing approximately 1,200 kms along the Ganges and Hooghly rivers through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. The event, themed ‘Bharatiya Nadiya – Sanskritiyon ki Janani,’ will be flagged off from Kanpur on October 21, 2024 and conclude in Kolkata on December 20, 2024.

    The aim of this pioneering expedition is to celebrate India’s rich maritime traditions while inspiring the youth towards adventure and a life of service in uniform. The cadets representing all State Directorates, will participate in this six-phase event. They will be accompanied by nearly 40 Associate NCC Officers. The key phases of the expedition include:

     

    • Phase I: Kanpur to Prayagraj (260 KM)
    • Phase II: Prayagraj to Varanasi (205 KM)
    • Phase III: Varanasi to Buxar (150 KM)
    • Phase IV: Buxar to Patna (150 KM)
    • Phase V: Patna to Farakka (230 KM)
    • Phase VI: Farakka to Kolkata (205 KM)

     

    During the journey, cadets will engage with local NCC groups and contribute to the ‘Swachh Bharat’ initiative by cleaning riverbanks and reducing plastic waste. They will also perform ‘Nukkad Nataks’ to promote India’s rich cultural traditions and raise awareness about environmental conservation.

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    SR/MR/KB

    (Release ID: 2066465) Visitor Counter : 7

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIAN NAVY – ROYAL NAVY OF OMAN MARITIME EXERCISE (NASEEM AL BAHR)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 12:03PM by PIB Delhi

    INS Trikand and Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, participated in the Indo-Oman bilateral naval exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr with the Royal Navy of Oman Vessel Al Seeb off Goa from 13 to 18 October 24. 

    The exercise was conducted in two phases: with harbour phase from 13 to 15 October 24, followed by the sea phase. As part of harbour activities, personnel from both Navies engaged in professional interactions, including Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and planning conferences. In addition, sports fixtures and social engagements were also held.

    During the sea phase of the exercise conducted from 16 to 18 Oct 24, both ships carried out various evolutions, including gun firings at surface inflatable targets, close-range anti-aircraft firings, manoeuvres, and Replenishment at Sea Approaches (RASAPS). The integral helicopter operated from INS Trikand and undertook cross-deck landings and vertical replenishment (VERTREP) with RNOV Al Seeb. Additionally, the Indian Navy’s Dornier aircraft provided Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTHT) data with the participating ships. To further enhance interoperability, Indian Navy Sea Riders embarked on RNOV Al Seeb for a day. The exercise helped strengthen interoperability and enhanced understanding of each other’s best practices.

    The exercise was a resounding success, achieving its aims of enhancing interoperability, fostering mutual understanding, and strengthening cohesion between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.

    This exercise further reaffirms India’s commitment to constructive collaboration and mutual growth with like-minded nations in the Indian Ocean Region.

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    (Release ID: 2066452) Visitor Counter : 29

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Journey of UDAN: Soaring Towards Inclusivity in Indian Aviation

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 11:35AM by PIB Delhi

    “A common man who travels in slippers, should also be seen in the aircraft. This is my dream.”

    – Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    In a country where the sky often symbolizes hope and aspiration, the dream of flying has remained an elusive luxury for many. This dream began to take shape with the launch of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN, or “Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik,” on October 21, 2016. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), UDAN aims to enhance regional air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports across India, making air travel affordable for the masses. As it celebrates its seventh anniversary, UDAN stands as a testament to the commitment of the Indian government to improve infrastructure and connectivity, especially in remote regions.

    The Dream Takes Flight

    The story of UDAN is deeply rooted in the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who in a pivotal meeting before the National Civil Aviation Policy was announced, emphasised the need to democratize air travel. He famously remarked that he wanted to see people wearing slippers boarding planes, a sentiment that ignited the vision for a more inclusive aviation sector. This commitment to the common man’s dreams led to the birth of UDAN.

    The first UDAN flight took off on April 27, 2017, connecting the serene hills of Shimla to the bustling metropolis of Delhi. This inaugural flight marked the beginning of a transformative journey in Indian aviation, one that would open up the skies to countless citizens.

    UDAN operates on a market-driven model, where airlines assess demand on specific routes and submit proposals during bidding rounds. The scheme incentivizes airlines to connect underserved regions by offering them support through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and various concessions provided by airport operators, the Central Government, and State Governments.

    The government has implemented several supportive measures to attract airlines to operate flights in less lucrative markets:

    • Airport Operators: They waive landing and parking charges for RCS flights, and the

    Airports Authority of India (AAI) does not levy Terminal Navigation Landing Charges (TNLC) on these flights. Moreover, a discounted Route Navigation and Facilitation Charge (RNFC) is applied.

    • Central Government: For the first three years, excise duty on Aviation Turbine Fuel

    (ATF) purchased at RCS airports capped at 2%. Airlines are also encouraged to enter code-sharing agreements to expand their reach.

    • State Governments: States have committed to reducing VAT on ATF to 1% or less for ten years and providing essential services such as security, fire services, and utility services at reduced rates.

    This collaborative framework has fostered an environment where airlines can thrive while serving regions that have long been overlooked.

    The RCS-UDAN scheme has played a pivotal role in revitalising the civil aviation industry in India. Over the past seven years, it has catalysed the emergence of many new and successful airlines. Regional carriers such as Flybig, Star Air, IndiaOne Air, and Fly91 have benefited from the scheme, developing sustainable business models and contributing to a burgeoning ecosystem for regional air travel.

    The incremental expansion of the scheme has also generated a rising demand for new aircraft of all sizes, broadening the spectrum of planes deployed on RCS routes. This includes a diverse fleet, featuring the Airbus 320/321, Boeing 737, ATR 42 and 72, DHC Q400, Twin Otter, Embraer 145 and 175, Tecnam P2006T, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, Dornier 228, Airbus H130, and Bell 407. Notably, Indian carriers have placed orders for over 1,000 aircraft slated for delivery in the next 10-15 years, significantly augmenting the existing fleet of approximately 800 planes.

    RCS-UDAN is not solely dedicated to offering last-mile connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities; it also stands as a prominent contributor to the burgeoning tourism sector. Initiatives like UDAN 3.0 have introduced tourism routes connecting several destinations in the Northeast region, while UDAN 5.1 is focused on expanding helicopter services in hilly areas to stimulate tourism, hospitality, and local economic growth.

    Significant destinations like Khajuraho, Deoghar, Amritsar, and Kishangarh (Ajmer) are now more accessible, catering to the religious tourism segment. Furthermore, the introduction of airports in Pasighat, Ziro, Hollongi, and Tezu has spurred growth in the Northeast’s tourism industry. Notably, Agatti Island has also been included in the Indian aviation map, enhancing tourism in Lakshadweep.

    From Mundra in Gujarat to Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh, and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh to Salem in Tamil Nadu, RCS-UDAN has connected 34 states and Union Territories across the country. A total of 86 aerodromes have been operationalized under UDAN, including ten in the Northeast region and two heliports. Airports like Darbhanga, Prayagraj, Hubli, Belgaum, and Kannur are becoming increasingly sustainable, with many non-RCS commercial flights operating from these locations.

    • Darbhanga Airport (Civil Enclave): Once off the aviation map, Darbhanga celebrated the arrival of its first flight from Delhi on November 9, 2020. This airport now serves as a gateway for 14 districts in North Bihar, connecting to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, and handling over 5 lakh passengers in FY 2023-24.
    • Jharsuguda Airport (AAI Airport): Previously a dilapidated WWII airstrip,

    Jharsuguda became operational in March 2019, serving as the second airport in Odisha. It now connects the region to Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Bhubaneswar, with over 2 lakh passengers in FY 2023-24.

    • Pithoragarh Airport: Nestled in the Himalayas, this airport was identified for RCS

    operations in 2018 and began service in January 2019. Currently, it connects to Dehradun and Pantnagar, showcasing its strategic importance.

    • Tezu Airport: Known for its scenic beauty and religious significance, Tezu airport

    commenced RCS operations in August 2021. It connects Guwahati, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh, accommodating approximately 12,000 passengers in FY 2023-24.

    The Indian aviation landscape has undergone a significant transformation under the UDAN scheme. 601 routes, including helicopter routes, have been operationalized, effectively connecting states and Union Territories. Notably, around 28% of these routes serve the remotest locations, enhancing accessibility across challenging terrains.

    The number of operational airports in the country has doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024 and the aim is to increase this number to 350-400 by 2047. The domestic air passengers have more than doubled in the past decade, with Indian airlines significantly expanding their fleets.

    A total of 86 aerodromes—comprising 71 airports, 13 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes— have been operationalized, facilitating the travel of over 1.44 crore passengers across more than 2.8 lakh flights. Since its inception, fixed-wing operations have cumulatively covered approximately 112 crore kilometres, roughly equivalent to circumnavigating the globe around 28,000 times.

    UDAN is not just a scheme; it is a movement aimed at empowering every Indian with the gift of flight. Enhancing regional connectivity and ensuring affordability has fulfilled countless citizens’ aspirations while stimulating economic growth and job creation. As UDAN continues to evolve, it holds the promise of transforming India’s aviation landscape, ensuring that the sky truly is everyone’s limit. With its ongoing commitment to connecting underserved regions and promoting tourism, the UDAN scheme remains a game changer for Indian aviation, contributing significantly to India’s vision of a connected and prosperous nation.

    Reference:

    h t t p s : / / p i b . g o v . i n / P r e s s R e l e a s e I f r a m e P a g e . a s p x ? PRID=2004057#:~:text=Ministry%20of%20Civil%20Aviation%20(MoCA,is%20a%20market%20dri ven%20scheme.

    https://http://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/migration/Udaan_Eng.pdf https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=152143&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1 Press Release: Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)

    Click here to download PDF

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to inaugurate International Workshop on Modern Technologies in Survey-Resurvey for Urban Land Records on 21st October 2024 in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 11:26AM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate International Workshop on Modern Technologies in Survey-Resurvey for Urban Land Records on 21st October 2024 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi. The Department of Land Resources is organising this workshop. The inaugural session will include addresses from Union Minister of Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan,  Secretary, Department of Land Resources Shri Manoj Joshi will deliver the keynote address during inaugural session.

    The workshop will unfold over two days. The first day will feature an inaugural session led by the Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan  followed by presentations from experts from countries like Singapore, Korea, the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands, highlighting best practices in digital land records. There will also be a technology showcase and exhibition by leading Indian and international firms. On the second day, the agenda includes two plenary sessions: the first focusing on case studies of state urban land records and management from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, and the second examining case studies from various schemes and departments in survey techniques and spatial data, including AMRUT, SMART CITIES, SVAMITVA, Haryana Space Applications Centre, IT & Communication (Jaipur), and Directorate General Defence Estates.

    Expected outcomes from the workshop include the formulation of a national program for urban land record modernization, design plans for pilot projects in selected cities, and strategies for capacity building among urban local bodies (ULBs) and state officials. Furthermore, the workshop aims to generate policy recommendations for integrating modern technologies into urban land governance, ensuring improved efficiency and transparency in land management systems. This concept note sets the stage for collaboration and innovation in improving urban land records through the application of cutting-edge technology.

    Urban land records in India face significant challenges due to fragmentation, outdated information, and maintenance across multiple agencies. These issues hinder effective urban planning, land management, and service delivery. In response, the Government of India is exploring innovative technological solutions to modernize urban land records, building on progress achieved in rural areas. Key technologies such as geospatial tools, satellite imagery, drone surveys, and GIS integration are essential for creating comprehensive, spatially enabled land ownership records. The modernization of urban land records is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency, supporting sustainable development and reducing land-related disputes.

    The workshop aims to bring together relevant stakeholders, including Ministries and Departments of the Government of India, Revenue and Urban Development Secretaries from States/UTs, International experts, and Technology Providers. The primary objectives of the workshop are to showcase global best practices in urban land record modernization, present applicable technological solutions, and facilitate pilot project planning for selected urban areas. Additionally, the workshop will address challenges such as lack of standardization, data security, and capacity building for stakeholders, while promoting collaboration among government officials, experts, and technology providers to develop actionable policy recommendations.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hon’ble President of India to confer the 5th National Water Awards 2023

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 11:19AM by PIB Delhi

    The Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu will confer the 5th National Water Awards 2023 on October 22nd2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD &GR), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti announced the 38 winners, including joint winners, for the 5th National Water Awards, 2023, in 09 categories viz Best State, Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body, Best School or College, Best Industry, Best Water User Association, Best Institution (other than school or college), and Best Civil Society on 14th October 2024.

    In the category of Best State, the first prize has been conferred upon Odisha, with Uttar Pradesh securing the second position, and Gujarat and Puducherry jointly securing the third position. Each award winner will be conferred with a citation and a trophy as well as cash prizes in certain categories.

    Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has been undertaking a comprehensive campaign to spread awareness about water management and water conservation on a national level. From this standpoint and to create awareness among the people about the importance of water and to help motivate people to adopt the best water usage practices, the 1st National Water Awards were launched in 2018 by the DoWR, RD & GR. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th National Water Awards were given for the years 2019, 2020 and 2022. The awards were not given in the year 2021 due to CoVID pandemic.

    The National Water Awards (NWAs) focus on the good work and efforts made by individuals and the organizations across the country in attaining the government’s vision of a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’. The awards are for creating awareness among the people about the importance of water and motivating them to adopt best water usage practices.

    Details of winners under various categories for 5th National Water Awards

    5TH NATIONAL WATER AWARDS, 2023

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Panchayat Sammelan”: A Step Towards Better ‘Ease of Living’ for Rural India to be organized in Hyderabad on 22nd October 2024

    Source: Government of India

    “Panchayat Sammelan”: A Step Towards Better ‘Ease of Living’ for Rural India to be organized in Hyderabad on 22nd October 2024

    Workshop Aims at Capacity Building for Enhancing Service Delivery at the Grassroots

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 9:47AM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is organizing a Panchayat Sammelan on “Ease of Living: Enhancing Service Delivery at the Grassroots” on 22nd October 2024 at National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Hyderabad. The Panchayat Sammelan will be inaugurated in the august presence of Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj; Dr. G. Narendra Kumar, Director General, NIRD&PR; Shri Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj; and Shri Lokesh Kumar D. S., Secretary, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department, Government of Telangana.

    The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is organizing four regional workshops as part of the Panchayat Sammelan on ‘Ease of Living: Enhancing Service Delivery at the Grassroots’. The first workshop in this series of four is scheduled for 22nd October 2024 in Hyderabad. Representatives from seven States viz. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Odisha and Telangana will participate in the event. This workshop will provide a platform to Panchayat functionaries and elected representatives directly associated with service delivery at the grassroots to discuss their experiences, challenges and opportunities in service delivery. Sessions will cover topics like using digital public tools such as Bhashini for language translation, UNICEF’s RapidPro platform for communication, and configuring ServicePlus for online service delivery.

    The Panchayat Sammelan is a significant step towards achieving better ease of living through improved grassroots service delivery. The workshop aims to share State-specific strategies, best practices and ideas to improve last-mile service accessibility and accelerate efficient governance with key focus being on benchmarking and improving the quality-of-service delivery in rural areas. The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) will present insights on benchmarking rural services while the Wadhwani Foundation will showcase case studies on leveraging emerging technologies for enhanced service delivery.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurates the 21st Divya Kala Mela in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurates the 21st Divya Kala Mela in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

    The Event – based on Prime Minister’s Vocal for Local vision – is a unique initiative towards Empowering Divyang Entrepreneurs

    Last 20 editions of the Mela generated a combined income exceeding ₹15 crore and facilitated loans worth over ₹12 crore for participating Divyangjans till date

    Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 8:47PM by PIB Delhi

    The 21st Divya Kala Mela, a monumental fair dedicated to the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities (PwDs), is being held at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, from 17th to 27th October 2024. The fair was officially inaugurated today by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, alongside Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Madhya Pradesh, Shri Narayan Das Kushwaha and Shri Ashok Rohani, MLA of Jabalpur.

    Other dignitaries present at the event included senior officials from the Government of India and Madhya Pradesh, graced the occasion, with active participation from Shri Rajeev Sharma, Joint Secretary, DEPwD, Shri Naveen Shah, Managing Director of National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC), and Shri Deepak Kumar Saxena, District Collector of Jabalpur.

     

     

    The grand event is a shining example of India’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth, as it offers an exceptional platform for differently abled entrepreneurs to showcase their products, talents, and skills. With around 100 stalls, the fair has been meticulously organized to promote self-reliance, encourage business ventures, and amplify the impact of PwDs in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ vision.

     

     

     

    Addressing the event, Dr. Virendra Kumar informed about the tremendous success of the Divya Kala Mela since its inception in 2022, with over 20 fairs organized across the Nation, generating a combined income exceeding ₹15 crore for participating Divyangjans. He further announced a special job fair for PwDs, to be held on 25th October 2024, providing new employment avenues and reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all.

     

     

    It was further informed that a special highlight of the event is the distribution of loans worth ₹1.21 crore by Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank, Union Bank, and IDBI Bank to disabled entrepreneurs, a crucial step in bolstering their businesses. To date, the Divya Kala Mela initiative has facilitated loans worth over ₹12 crore, promoting business expansion and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among PwDs. Moreover, the distribution of essential aids and assistive devices like hearing aids, motors, and lifts has further empowered the differently abled community, he added.

     

     

    In his keynote address, Shri Narayan Das Kushwaha praised the Divya Kala Mela as a transformative initiative by the Government of India, which has paved the way for economic empowerment, recognition, and self-reliance for Divyangjan artisans and entrepreneurs. He highlighted that this platform serves not only as an economic catalyst but also as a beacon of awareness and skill recognition for PwDs across India.

    Adding a festive touch, a vibrant cultural programme titled ‘Divya Kala Shakti’, showcasing the talents of Divyang artists from across India, will be held alongside the fair. With performances already having taken place in 15 cities, ‘Divya Kala Shakti’ has become a national platform for the creative expression of PwDs, bringing their talents to the forefront.

     

    In his address, Shri Sandeep Rajak, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, urged the Government to host a World Art Fair in Jabalpur, envisioning a grand collaboration between the public sector, private companies, and NGOs, united by the common goal of empowering the Divyangjans.

    CMD of NDFDC, Shri Naveen Shah, also extended a warm invitation to the citizens of Jabalpur, encouraging them to visit the fair, support the talented Divyang artisans, indulge in delectable local food, and enjoy the colorful cultural programmes. He emphasized that the fair is free and open to the public, making it a not-to-miss event for everyone.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 20 students from India to participate in Sakura Programme 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 7:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education (DoSEL), is sending 20 school students and 2 supervisors to Japan to participate in the Sakura Programme 2024 along with 5 other countries from 20-26 October 2024. The enthusiastic and excited children were flagged off by Shri Charanjt Taneja, Deputy Secretary, DoSEL; Dr. Amarendra Prasad Behera, Joint Director, CIET-NCERT; and Ms. Kirti Panwar, Deputy Commissioner, Navodaya Vidyalaya in a ceremony at CIET-NCERT organised by DoSEL. The event was also attended by Mr. Kemmochi Yukio, Manager of the Japan Science and Technology Agency, and officials from DoSEL-MoE. These 20 students (10 boys and 10 girls) are from Navodaya Vidyalayas and alumni of the PRERANA program from across the country.

     

     

    To develop the intellectual horizon and scientific exploration among young learners, the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has been implementing the “Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science” also known as the “Sakura Science Programme” since 2014. India was added to the Sakura Program in 2015. The students are invited under the programme for short-term visits to Japan, giving them the opportunity to experience Japan’s cutting-edge science and technology as well as its culture.

    The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, while emphasizing the importance of curriculum and pedagogy in schools, endorses that “Learning should be Holistic, Integrated, Enjoyable and Engaging in itself. Also, NEP-2020 states that in all stages, experiential learning will be adopted as standard pedagogy within each subject, and with explorations of relations among different subjects. It is in this context that educational trips and excursions to various places of importance in terms of historical, cultural, social and technological development are of paramount importance. Japan as a developed nation, a friendly country, along with technological advancements, is also a favourite destination for educational exposure. Therefore, visiting a country like Japan is always enriching and provides an opportunity for the exploration of innovative practices.

    India participated in the program for the first time in April 2016. So far, 553 students and 85 supervisors have visited Japan under this programme. The last batch visited Japan in June 2024.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOIL signed a draft JV agreement with MP State Mining Corporation

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 7:07PM by PIB Delhi

    MOIL has entered into a draft joint venture agreement with Madhya Pradesh State Mining Corporation Limited (MPSMCL), at MP Mining Conclave’24 in Bhopal. This collaboration aims to advance manganese ore mining and undertake value-addition projects in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

    The formal signing ceremony took place in the esteemed presence of the  Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav, Mr. Sanjay Shukla, Principal Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD MOIL, and Shri M. M. Abdulla, Director (Production and Planning) MOIL, alongside other distinguished dignitaries.

    As per the agreement, a JV Company will be formed between MOIL and MPSMCL with a shareholding of 51% of MOIL and 49% of MPSMCL. This strategic partnership between MOIL and MPSMCL is expected to harness the rich manganese ore reserves in Madhya Pradesh, driving economic growth and creating numerous employment opportunities in the region, aligning with the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare organized National Conference on Agriculture – Rabi Campaign 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare organized National Conference on Agriculture – Rabi Campaign 2024

    Government of India will work collaboratively on every suggestion given by the Ministers and State representatives : Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 7:02PM by PIB Delhi

    With an objective to review and assess the crop performance during the preceding crop seasons and fix crop-wise targets for rabi season, the Union Minister of Agriculture, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign 2024 to at NASC Complex, New Delhi. The conference aimed to promote discussions among all stakeholders about innovative agricultural practices and digital initiatives to ensure smooth supply of essential Agri-inputs and support adoption of state-of-the-art technologies, thereby enhancing crop production and productivity.

     

    Addressing the Conference, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “We need to move towards organic and natural farming to increase productivity and reduce dependency on chemicals and fertilizers. The aim is to increase per hectare yield while reducing the cost of production and offering genuine prices to the farmers.” A committee has been constituted to reduce the cost of transportation to reduce the gap between the procurement price and sale price. The States in collaboration with Centre need to work on increasing production based on Agro-climatic conditions to make India the largest food basket for the world. The national target of food grain production in 2024-25 will be 341.55 million tonnes. He assured that the Government of India will work collaboratively on every suggestion given by the Ministers and State representatives.

     

    At the conference, Shri Ramnath Thakur, Minister of State (Agriculture) requested the States to take immediate action to help farmers affected by crop damage due to floods and cyclone. The Senior Officers and Researchers need to assess the quality of Agri-inputs circulated in the market.

    The Minister of State (Agriculture), Shri Bhagirath Choudhary expressed his gratitude to research organizations for continuously working towards making the country self-reliant in production of pulses and oilseeds.

     

    The conference welcomed esteemed panelists from State Governments for interactive sessions on crucial topics covering enhancing productivity of oilseeds and pulses, clean plant programme, digital platforms like National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) and Integrated Pesticide Management System (IPMS), DPIs under Digital Agriculture Mission and Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal.

    During the discussions, it was highlighted that to meet the increasing demand of edible oil in the country and to become self-reliant, the Government aims at increasing the production of oilseeds from 39.2 MMT in 2022-23 to 69.7 MMT in 2030-31, increase area under cultivation from existing 29 mha to 33 mha and improve yield from 1353 kg/ha to 2112 kg/ha by 2030-31. The panelists emphasized on the importance of conducting research on short-duration, high-yielding seed varieties and implementing comprehensive mechanization for the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds.

    The conference showcased the recent Agri-Tech initiatives of the Ministry for ensuring quality of agri-inputs and proactive pest management strategies. NPSS provides a nationwide view for predicting, planning, and managing pest and disease infestations and plays a pivotal role in protecting agricultural yields and promoting sustainable farming practices. Further, the role of IPMS to tackle the complaints / issues related to shortage of supply and misbranding of pesticides, real time monitoring of issuance of licenses, faceless and traceless quality assurance system using unique QR codes was highlighted. Likewise, the SATHI portal is a complete and integrated solution to encompass all the activities involved in production, inspection, processing, packing, tagging and disposal of all kinds of seeds ranging from Breeder, Foundation, Certified, TL seed.

    In the session on Digital Agriculture, the panelists deliberated on recently approved Digital Agriculture Mission, an umbrella scheme to support various Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiatives for Agriculture and Special Centre Assistance to States for Capital Investment. The Mission focuses on enabling a convergent DPI ecosystem that enables farmer-centric solutions using integrated registries through AgriStack and providing various advisories through Krishi Decision Support System.

    The panelists also discussed on the need for regulations to ensure import of disease-free planting materials in case of fruits and orchids. The Clean Plant Programme will work to resolve such issues and produce, maintain and distribute pathogen-tested propagative material using therapeutic processes to clean plants.

    While responding on various sessions in Conference, the state representatives have responded the following (a)for Agriculture, holistic approach needs to be adopted, (b) Mechanization  is needed for  Oilseeds and Pulses, Good Quality seeds are required, (c) Private sector be encouraged to Research (d) Specialized project from ICAR (e) For CPP, attention on soil is required and support to private sector is welcome (f) For IPMS, AI Chatbot/advisory would be more efficient if it is in audio form.

    Addressing the Conference, Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary Agriculture instructed the States to ensure completion of farmer registry for all farmers in the State by 31st March 2025 in camp mode to enable farmers to avail benefit of PM-KISAN. He also highlighted on the need for increasing the productivity of oilseeds and pulses. A check needs to be placed on overdosing of pesticides, circulation of spurious pesticides and seeds in the market. He urged States to ensure use of applications like NPSS, IPMS and SATHI and spread awareness in their respective States.

    Sh. Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary Fertilizer emphasized on use of drones for nano urea and crop monitoring. Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and DG (ICAR) requested States to increase use of bio-fortified seeds, use of new variety and climate resilient seeds and seed replacement for increasing the productivity.

    This was followed by an interaction session with Hon’ble Ministers and Senior Officers of the States to raise issues concerning their states for increasing area coverage, yield, production and productivity in their States. The Agriculture Ministers from States raised their issues in relation to farmers and requested the Government of India to work on resolution. They also made some suggestions for betterment of agriculture and farmers.

    The Conference had participation from various Ministries, representatives from State Governments / Union Territories and other organizations. Through interactive sessions, the conference facilitated a comprehensive dialogue that would lead to actionable strategies for the upcoming rabi season.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM launches ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ – National Learning Week

    Source: Government of India (2)

    PM launches ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ – National Learning Week

    New learnings during the National Learning Week will help in achieving our goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047: PM

    PM stresses on the need for innovative thinking and following a citizen-centric approach

    PM urges Civil services training institutions to communicate, learn from each other and adopt global best practices

    Successfully utilising Artificial Intelligence to drive progress for Aspirational India could lead to transformative change: PM

    Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 6:57PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ – National Learning Week at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi today. 

    Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that through Mission Karmayogi our goal is to create human resources that would become the driving force of our country’s development. Expressing his satisfaction at the progress made, the Prime Minister added that if we keep working with this passion, no one can stop the country from progressing.  He underlined that the new learnings and experiences during the National Learning Week will provide strength and help in improving working systems which will help us achieve our goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    Prime Minister discussed the steps taken to change the mindset of the government over the last ten years, whose impact is being felt by people today. He said this has become possible due to the efforts of the people working in the government and through the impact of steps like Mission Karmayogi.

    Prime Minister emphasized that while the world views Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an opportunity, for India, it presents both a challenge and an opportunity. He spoke about two AIs, one being the Artificial Intelligence and the other, Aspirational India. Prime Minister stressed the importance of balancing both and said that if we successfully utilise Artificial Intelligence to drive progress for Aspirational India, it could lead to transformative change.

    Prime Minister also said that information equality has become a norm due to the impact of the digital revolution and social media. With AI, information processing is also becoming equally easy making citizenry informed and empowering them to keep a tab on all of the activities of the government. So, the civil servants need to keep themselves abreast with latest technological developments so as to meet the rising standards, wherein Mission Karmayogi can prove to be of help.

    He stressed on the need for innovative thinking and following a citizen-centric approach. He mentioned seeking help from startups, research agencies and youngsters for getting new ideas. He urged the departments to have a system of feedback mechanisms.

    Prime Minister lauded the iGOT platform and said that more than 40 lakh government employees have registered on the platform. Over 1400 courses are available and more than 1.5 crore certificates of completion in various courses have been received by the officers.

    Prime Minister noted that the Civil Services training Institutions have been  a victim of working in silos. He said that we have tried to increase partnerships and collaborations among them. He urged the training institutions to establish proper channels of communication, to learn from each other, discuss and adopt global best practices and inculcate a whole-of-government approach.

    Mission Karmayogi was launched in September 2020 envisioning a future-ready civil service rooted in Indian ethos, with a global perspective. National Learning Week (NLW) will provide fresh impetus towards individual and organisational capacity development for Civil Servants creating a “One Government” message and aligning everyone with national goals and promoting lifelong learning.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India leading the standards development process at global level: India’s candidates elected in leadership positions in all 10 Study Groups (SG) of International Telecommunication Unions’ (ITU) Standardization Sector (ITU-T)

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Communications

    India leading the standards development process at global level: India’s candidates elected in leadership positions in all 10 Study Groups (SG) of International Telecommunication Unions’ (ITU) Standardization Sector (ITU-T)

    India increases its leadership positions in ITU-T to 11 positions in WTSA-2024 from 7 positions in WTSA-2022

    Study Groups are technical grouping of experts responsible for developing international standards for telecommunications technologies

    Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 6:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Keeping in view India’s vision of being a technology leader and leading the standards development process at global level, India’s candidates were elected in leadership positions in all 10 Study Groups(SG) of International Telecommunication Unions’ (ITU) Standardization Sector (ITU-T).

    While India retained Chair position in one group, it secured Vice-Chair positions in all other 9 Study Groups and the SCV Committee, thereby increasing its leadership positions in ITU-T from 7 in WTSA-2022 to 11 positions in WTSA-2024.

    India is currently hosting the International Telecommunication Unions’ (ITU) World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 15th October and will continue till 24th October 2024. It is for the first time that WTSA is being conducted in the Asia-Pacific region and it would set the direction of standardization activities ITU-T and its work for the next four years (2024-2028). This year’s WTSA-24 witnesses more than 3700 delegates from over 160 countries, the highest ever for any WTSA assembly.

    The ongoing discussions at WTSA focus on promoting standardization activities on emerging technologies and developing new ITU-T Resolutions on topics such as Digital Public Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, post-quantum cryptography, Metaverse, Over-the-top (OTT) services, Sustainable Digital transformation, etc., which would be pivotal in shaping the future of technology and ensuring a connected, secure, and inclusive digital world. The existing ITU-T Resolutions are also being updated. Once the roadmap is set during the WTSA-24, the standardization activities would be taken up by the various ITU-T Study Groups in the form of development of Standards and Technical reports. The work of ITU-T will be carried out through its 10 Study Groups.

    Leadership positions: During the WTSA-24, participating countries elected leadership positions of the various Study Groups. India has significantly strengthened its position in the global telecommunication landscape, securing key leadership roles in all the ITU-T Study Groups. In the ongoing WTSA-24, India has garnered 11 leadership positions, including 1 Chair position for ITU-T SG 11 and 10 vice chair-positions as detailed below:

    S. N.

    Study Group

    Leadership Position

    Chair/Vice-Chair

    1

    SG2: Operational aspects

    Vice-Chair

    Premjit Lal, DDG(IR), DoT

    2

    SG3: Economic & policy issues

    Vice-Chair

    Sathish Kumar MC, Deputy Administrator, USOF

    3

    SG5: Environment, EMF & circular economy

    Vice-Chair

    Neha Upadhyay, Director, TEC

    4

    SGC [Merger of SG9: Broadband cable & TV and SG16: Multimedia & digital technologies]

    Vice-Chair

    Avinash Agarwal, DDG, TEC

    5

    SG11: Protocols, testing & combating counterfeiting

    Chair

    Tejpal Singh, Advisor, TRAI

    6

    SG12: Performance, QoS & QoE

    Vice-Chair

    Abdul Kayum, Advisor, TRAI

    7

    SG13: Future networks

    Vice-Chair

    Abhijan Bhattacharyya, TCS

    8

    SG15: Transport, access & home

    Vice-Chair

    Sudipta Bhaumik, STL

    9

    SG17: Security

    Vice-Chair

    Preetika Singh, Director, TEC

    10

    SG20: IoT, smart cities & communities

    Vice-Chair

    Ravi A Robert Jerard, CMD, BSNL

    11

    SCV [Standardization Committee for Vocabulary]

    Vice-Chair

    Hemendra K Sharma, DDG(Media), DoT

     

    This is a recognition of the contributions of these experts in development of global standards and a major milestone in India’s Standardisation Journey.

    About Study Groups

    Study Groups are technical grouping of experts who work for developing international standards for telecommunications technologies based on the technical inputs received from members of ITU. Chairs and Vice Chairs of these Study Groups are elected from the ITU members during the WTSA. Area of work for the Study Groups (SGs) are as below :

    SG2: Operational aspects

    • Deployment of numbering, naming, addressing and identification (NNAI) requirements and resource assignment,
    • operational and management aspects of networks

    SG3: Economic & policy issues

    Studying international telecommunication/ICT policy and economic issues and tariff and accounting matters (including costing principles and methodologies), with a view to informing the development of enabling regulatory models and frameworks.

    SG5: Environment, EMF & circular economy

    Electromagnetic fields (EMF), environment, climate action, sustainable digitalization, and the circular economy.

    SGC [Merger of SG9: Broadband cable & TV and SG16: Multimedia & digital technologies]

    • Use of telecommunication systems in the distribution of television and sound programs supporting advanced capabilities such as ultra-high definition and high-dynamic range, 3D, virtual reality, augmented reality and multiview.

     

    • Ubiquitous multimedia applications, multimedia capabilities, multimedia services and multimedia applications for existing and future networks.

    SG11: Protocols, testing & combating counterfeiting

    • signalling and protocols
    • establishing test specifications, conformance and interoperability testing for all types of networks, technologies and services that are the subject of study and standardization by all ITU-T study groups​
    • combating counterfeiting of ICT devices
    • combating the use of stolen ICT devices

    SG12: Performance, QoS & QoE

    Development of international standards (ITU-T Recommendations) on performance, quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE). This work spans the full spectrum of terminals, networks and services, ranging from speech over fixed circuit-switched networks to multimedia applications over mobile and packet-based networks.

    SG13: Future networks

    Future computing, including cloud computing and data handling in ICT networks. This work covers network capabilities and technologies to support data utilization, exchange, sharing, and data quality assessment. It also covers computing-aware networking as well as end-to-end awareness, control and management of future computing, including cloud, cloud security and data handling.

    SG15: Transport, access & home

    Development of standards for the optical transport network, access network and home network infrastructures, systems, equipment, optical fibres and cables and the related installation, maintenance, management, test, instrumentation and measurement techniques, and control plane technologies to enable the evolution toward intelligent transport networks.

    SG17: Security

    Cybersecurity, security management, security architectures and frameworks, countering spam, identity management, the protection of personally identifiable information, operational aspects of data protection, open identity trust framework; and quantum-based security; and Child Online Protection.

    SG20: IoT, smart cities & communities

    Coordinated deployment of IoT and address IoT implementation challenges related to interoperability, big data, and architectural frameworks and requirements for supporting various IoT systems. SG20 standards that set the requirements for IoT deployment also help smart cities and communities to improve the efficiency of IoT systems and smart city platforms, break down data silos, facilitate seamless data sharing among various verticals, and enhance data processing and management capacity.

    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ SCV [Standardization Committee for Vocabulary]

    To address the need for a harmonized understanding of all terms and definitions used in standardization.

     

    About TSAG [Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group]: TSAG acts as an advisory body and plays a crucial role in providing strategic guidance and oversight to the ITU’s standardization activities. It is called on to resolve coordination issues among the study groups, to expand electronic working methods for the ITU-T and to provide advice and procedures on relationships with other standards bodies.

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    (Release ID: 2066369)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CMPDI Conducts National Seminar on ‘Mineral Exploration & Water Resource Management: Recent Trends’

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 6:26PM by PIB Delhi

    Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) in association with Society of Geo-Scientists Jharkhand (SGSJ) organised a National Seminar today on ‘Mineral Exploration & Water Resource Management: Recent Trends’ with special focus on the state of Jharkhand. CMD, CMPDI, Shri Manoj Kumar inaugurated the One-day National Seminar. This seminar aims to address pressing issues related to Strategic & Critical Mineral Resources and Water Resource Management, encompassing both surface and groundwater. The seminar featured a series of technical sessions, including oral presentations based on submitted abstracts and keynote addresses from experts in the field, both from within and outside the organization.

     

    Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Smt. Rupinder Brar, the Chief guest of the seminar addressed the audience through Video conference (VC). At the outset, Smt.  Brar congratulated CMPDI and said that seminar topic is more contemporary as we need a lot research, ideas on how to do sustainable mining and Water Resource Management during mineral exploration. Smt. Brar also appreciated the seminar subjects and said that this seminar will add value to the ecosystem of mining and the outcome and best practices emerge out of this seminar will be incorporated and implemented in the field of mining. 

    CMD, CMPDI and Patron of the seminar Shri Manoj Kumar, said that, “It is a matter of pride for CMPDI for hosting the National Seminar on a theme “Mineral Exploration & Water Resource Management: Recent trends” which shows the efforts of CMPDI towards achieving its vision of ‘To be a market leader in an expanding earth resource sector and allied professional activities.’ Today’s seminar will be a great opportunity for discussion on mineral wealth of Jharkhand as well as innovative approach for adoption of advanced technique for exploration of mineral wealth situated in the country and Groundwater management through recent trends and techniques’, he added.

     

     

    Total 22 papers (including 6 key-notes) were presented in this seminar and about 300 delegates from GSI, NTPC, SAIL, MECL, Ranchi University, Central University of Jharkhand, IIT-ISM Dhanabad etc. attended the seminar. ADG operations, Jharkhand Police, Shri Sanjay A. Lathkar; Director (Technical/P&D), CMPDI, Shri Ajay Kumar; Director (Technical/ES), CMPDI, Shri Satish Jha, other senior officials and employees of CMPDI were present on the occasion.

     

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    (Release ID: 2066359) Visitor Counter : 74

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –