Today, Police dealt a significant blow to the Mongrel Mob Barbarians in Opotiki with the execution of over thirty search warrants across the North Island, and sent a clear message that the misery and violence that they cause will not be tolerated, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell.
“I want to thank the police officers involved for the outstanding work that has led to today’s arrests, seizure of property and drugs as part of Operation Highwater, a 10-month investigation in response to violent crime and offending in the town.
“Towns like Opotiki suffer heavily from the drugs and misery that gangs peddle– especially when children and schools are targeted for distribution.
“They also suffer from the senseless violence and besieging of towns and communities, that Police say has been stopped in its tracks by the operation today.
“I want to reiterate Superintendent Tim Anderson’s message for gangs: Police will find you and hold you accountable for your destructive behaviour. They will continue to relentlessly pursue criminals who prey on our communities and cause a huge amount of harm and misery.
“The operations this morning come the day after Police stood up their Gang Disruption Unit in the Bay of Plenty. That unit has continued this afternoon to target and harass gang members across the district, a clear example of how effective these disruption units are.
“Gang members cause significant and disproportionate harm to Kiwis, and by focusing resources on them Police will continue to disrupt criminal activity and prevent the harm it causes in our communities.
“From 21 November, the Gang Disruption Units will be significantly powered up with the Government’s new tools to get rid of gang patches, disperse gang gatherings and prevent known gang members consorting to commit crime.
“The Government is committed to restoring law and order and today’s operation marks a turning point in getting that job done.”
DOC Operations Manager Charlie Sklenar says this is fantastic news ahead of summer.
“Rob Roy is a popular area of Tititea/Mt Aspiring National Park and sees a huge number of visitors, especially during the summer months.
Rob Roy suspension bridge Image: DOC
“Engineering advice sought by DOC last year showed both Rob Roy and Blue Pools bridges could not sustain their current usage, and the Makarora River suspension bridge needed to be fully replaced.
“For the Rob Roy Glacier Track, visitor numbers were projected to increase from their previous daily averages of 180 people. As a result, a safety assessment was made which led to the decision to upgrade the bridge.”
Work to upgrade the Rob Roy suspension bridge included in-depth engineering, geotechnical and design assessments, complex rock drilling and structural work to improve the bridge’s ability to bear weight.
“Engineers have now inspected the completed bridge work and with all testing successfully certified late last week, we are happy to say the bridge is now open again to the public.
“Our field team has now removed the closure signage, and the DOC website has been updated to show that the track has reopened.
“We know people will take the opportunity to make the most of the Rob Roy Track and its upgraded bridge, and we’re looking forward to a great summer,” says Charlie.
Construction work on the Blue Pools and Makarora River bridges and replacement of the raised timber boardwalk connecting these two bridges is ongoing. Some delays have been experienced due to severe weather in previous months. These delays will unfortunately extend the closure period for this site; however, DOC remains committed to reopening it this summer.
Background information
The Makarora and Blue Pools bridges provide high-water access to the Young Valley and Gillespie Pass Circuit. Trampers should have river crossing skills and experience if they are undertaking this advanced tramp.
Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
There is no access to the Blue Pools, however a shortened forest walk remains open.
Note: There are public conservation areas across the region that remain under snow and at risk of avalanche. With Labour Day fast approaching, trampers and adventurers are recommended to check the conditions before they head out.
Associate Minister of Health Casey Costello and Minister for ACC Matt Doocey have announced today that the Government has invested over $21 million in additional funding into Hato Hone St John.
“Hato Hone St John provides an essential service by ensuring people receive timely treatment in an emergency. This is a significant uplift in a constrained financial environment,” says Ms Costello.
Health New Zealand and ACC will now jointly provide nearly $357 million of funding to Hato Hone St John in the financial year 2024/25 for emergency road ambulance and communication services.
“This investment will ensure the ongoing delivery of the Hato Hone St John’s emergency road ambulance service. We know that adequate funding of our road ambulance services is essential to ensuring New Zealanders have access to emergency health care,” Mr Doocey says.
“I am also pleased to see that negotiations with Hato Hone St John’s unions have been settled,” says Ms Costello.
“We know Health NZ and ACC have worked closely with Hato Hone St John to minimise disruption and ensure essential services remain available.”
Hato Hone St John has confirmed no further industrial action that would disrupt road ambulance services.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises State Highway 1 Southern Motorway is closed to southbound traffic between the Ellerslie Panmure Highway and the South Eastern Highway due to a serious incident.
Emergency services are in attendance and the road is likely to be closed for some time.People are encouraged to delay their travel, where possible, or allow extra time for their journeys using alternative routes.Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website for up-to-date information on the closure.
it is a great pleasure to be at Harvard again, to meet long time companions like Hans-Helmut Kotz and to exchange ideas with top scientists such as Benjamin Friedman. When I was in this round two years ago, we were dealing with an unprecedented global inflation spike.[1] Fortunately, the worst is behind us, and inflation in the euro area is heading back to the Eurosystem’s target. We have not brought the inflation ship safely back into the 2% harbour, but the port is in sight. Thus, I can focus on another question today.
Before I do that, let me share an analogy to set the stage for my discussion. Back in the 1970s and 1980s, the field of economics was split into two seemingly incompatible schools of thought: New Keynesian and New Classical. Their proponents were not too polite in their language, calling assumptions “foolishly restrictive” or comparing an opponent to someone attempting to pass himself off as Napoleon Bonaparte.[2] But, over time, ideas from both camps ultimately merged to form a consensus called the New Neoclassical Synthesis, the very foundation of modern macroeconomics.[3] Gregory Mankiw neatly described this story in his essay “The Macroeconomist as Scientist and Engineer”.[4]
The takeaway from this analogy is that complex issues are rarely black or white. With this in mind, I want to explore whether the conduct of monetary policy in the euro area could be enhanced by offering more detailed and nuanced information regarding its future outlook. More specifically, today I will address the following question: Should the Eurosystem introduce dot plots?
To explore this, I will first examine current experience with dot plots and other forms of forward guidance in both the United States and the euro area. I will then evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating dot plots into the Eurosystem’s communication strategy. In this analysis, I will concentrate on the implications for policymakers’ independence, the effectiveness of monetary policy and the management of uncertainty.
2 The dot plot and other forms of forward guidance
Let me begin with some basics. Most central banks in advanced economies have a clear mandate to keep prices stable. They do this mainly by setting the policy rate and communicating their decisions in order to manage the expectations of economic agents, including market participants, households and firms. When central banks provide explicit signals about the future path of the policy rate, we call it forward guidance.
We can classify forward guidance into two ideal types: “Odyssean” and “Delphic”.[5] Odyssean forward guidance means the central bank makes a firm commitment to a future course of action, like promising to keep interest rates at a certain level for a certain time. Like Odysseus, who famously tied himself to the mast of his ship to resist the call of the sirens, central banks are committing to staying on course – whatever the future brings.
In contrast, Delphic forward guidance is conditional and involves sharing information about the central bank’s economic outlook and policy intentions without making firm commitments. This term comes from the Oracle of Delphi, famous for its prophecies and predictions, which were so ambiguous and open to interpretation that they always seemed to be borne out in hindsight. A prime example of Delphic forward guidance is the policy rate forecasts published by central banks such as Norges Bank and Sweden’s Riksbank.
A more subtle way of monetary policy communication is through the central bank’s reaction function. A reaction function indicates how the central bank adjusts its policy rate in response to key macroeconomic variables like the inflation rate or economic growth. When economic agents have a clear understanding of this reaction function, communication about the expected development of these macroeconomic variables can also help shape their expectations regarding the future trajectory of the policy rate.
2.1 The Fed’s dot plot
To consider if the Eurosystem should introduce dot plots, let me briefly recall what the Fed dot plots are and how market observers view them. Twelve years ago, the Fed began publishing the federal funds rate projections of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) participants. Its intention was to boost transparency and communication with financial markets and the general public. On the other side of the Atlantic, the Eurosystem has, from its inception, held public press conferences and published monetary policy statements, the minutes of its meetings, and the results of its quarterly macroeconomic projections.
As you are well aware, before the FOMC meeting, FOMC participants share their individual assessment of the appropriate level of the fed funds rate for the end of the current year, the end of the coming two to three years and over the longer run. The longer run projection refers to “each participant’s assessment of the value to which each variable would be expected to converge, over time, under appropriate monetary policy and in the absence of further shocks to the economy.”[6]
Due to its visual representation in the Summary of Economic Projections (SEP), the combined projections of all FOMC members are known as the dot plot. These dots complement the FOMC participants’ projections for GDP growth, unemployment and inflation. While each FOMC participant submits their funds rate projection together with corresponding projections for macroeconomic variables, these correspondences are not revealed by the SEP. Accordingly, market observers cannot directly link the interest rate projections to the projections of the other macro variables.
The dot plot was meant to complement the Fed’s communication, not to replace the forward guidance it provided in the monetary policy statement at that time during the press conference. For example, in January 2012, the FOMC statement provided explicit forward guidance on rates, saying that the Committee “[…] anticipates that economic conditions […] are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels for the federal funds rate at least through late 2014.”[7] During the accompanying press conference, Chairman Ben Bernanke introduced the dot plot, observing that “[…] eleven participants expect that the appropriate federal funds rate at the end of 2014 will be at or below 1 percent, while six participants anticipate higher rates at that time.”[8]
Although the Federal Reserve did not introduce the dot plots as an explicit tool for forward guidance, many market analysts began to interpret them as such. When the forward guidance in the statement and the dot plot sent mixed signals, FOMC chairs often downplayed the dot plot’s importance.
In 2014, Janet Yellen famously stated: “[…] one should not look to the dot plot, so to speak, as the primary way in which the Committee wants to or is speaking about policy […].”[9] Similarly, in 2019, Jerome Powell noted that “[…] the dot plot has, on occasion, been a source of confusion. Until now, forward guidance in the statement has been a main tool for communicating committee intentions and minimizing that confusion.”[10]
And this is also how Fed watchers now see the dot plot, ranking it as the Fed’s fifth most important communication tool.[11] The top communication tools are the press conference, the Summary of Economic Projections (excluding the dots), the FOMC statement, and speeches by the chair.
Numerous studies show that the Fed has successfully used monetary policy communication to influence long-term interest rates and other asset prices.[12] And some research suggests that the dot plots significantly and independently influence market interest rates. [13] But there is a fundamental issue about these results: it is very challenging to determine how much each communication channel contributes to the overall effect.
To identify the causal effect of monetary policy, scholars often define a so-called event window around central banks’ monetary policy meetings. Changes in market interest rates during this event window are then attributed to monetary policy.
But there is a problem: when the dot plot is released, it is published together with the monetary policy statement. That makes it hard to determine which one caused the interest rate changes observed during the event. And because of this, it is unclear whether those channels actually provide complementary information or are just substitutes.
2.2 Monetary policy communication at the Eurosystem
So, what does the Eurosystem’s monetary policy communication look like? The Eurosystem began using explicit forward guidance in the introductory statement to its July 2013 meeting. At that time, inflation in the euro area was low, and the Eurosystem expected underlying price pressures to stay subdued in the medium term. Interest rates were already at the effective zero lower bound.
To provide further accommodation, the ECB’s Governing Council, which is the counterpart of the FOMC, announced in its July 2013 meeting that it “expects the key ECB interest rates to remain at present or lower levels for an extended period of time.”[14] The Governing Council continued to use variations of this statement for almost a decade. And there is now also ample evidence that the Eurosystem has been successful in implementing its forward guidance.[15]
With the resurgence of inflation in 2021 and high uncertainty caused by major shocks and structural changes, the Eurosystem shifted to a data-dependent, meeting-by-meeting approach, largely stepping away from explicit forward guidance.
More specifically, we now base our interest rate decisions on three elements: first, our assessment of the inflation outlook in light of the incoming economic and financial data, second, the dynamics of underlying inflation, and third, the strength of monetary policy transmission. These three elements can be seen as a further specification of our reaction function. However, the Governing Council does not pre-commit to any specific rate path.
Taken together, apart from the publication of the dot plot, the approaches to monetary policy communication taken by the Federal Reserve System and the Eurosystem are largely comparable. Both institutions regard the monetary policy statement and the press conference as their primary communication tools. And both central banks have recently shifted from explicit forward guidance towards a data-dependent meeting-by-meeting approach.
But the Eurosystem also continues to provide signals about future policy rates. It simply does it more implicitly. For example, the wording of the monetary policy statement and the answers of the ECB President during press conferences provide insights into future policy rates. As do speeches and interviews given by Governing Council members. Additionally, the Eurosystem influences market expectations through its quarterly staff projections.[16]
Unlike some other central banks, the Eurosystem uses the interest rate implied by financial market prices on a specific cut-off day as a conditioning assumption for its macroeconomic projections. Specifically, this means that our medium-term inflation forecast aligns with market expectations for a particular policy rate path. Market participants can subsequently compare the exogenous path for the policy rate, as embedded in our macroeconomic projections, with our actual monetary policy decisions, in order to gain insights into our reaction function.
You could say that the Eurosystem provides Athenian communication. Athena was known as the Goddess of wisdom and as a protector and guide to many Greek heroes. Rather than communicating directly with those she protected, Athena often used indirect guidance. And through her subtle guidance, Athena empowered the heroes she protected to take decisive action and make wise choices.
3 A dot plot for the Eurosystem?
Now, let us get to the heart of the matter. Should the Eurosystem introduce dot plots? Although this question can only be answered “yes” or “no”, complex issues are rarely black and white, as mentioned earlier.
In the following, rather than simply listing the pros and cons of introducing dot plots in the Eurosystem, I will structure my discussion around three themes: First, the impact dot plots could have on the independence of the Eurosystem. Second, the potential for dot plots to improve the effectiveness of our monetary policy communication. And third, the role dot plots could play in capturing projection uncertainty around our baseline forecasts.
Throughout, I will only consider adding projections for the policy rates to the existing macroeconomic projections by Eurosystem staff. For simplicity, I will not consider whether to also complement our current consensus projections for macroeconomic variables with individual macroeconomic projections.
3.1 Independence
Let me begin with the theme of independence. The ECB’s Governing Council consists of the six ECB Executive Board members and the 20 governors of the euro area’s national central banks. Although this setting may resemble that of the Federal Open Market Committee, which includes Federal Reserve Bank Presidents, there is a significant difference.
The euro area is not composed of regions within a single country but of individual countries within a larger union, each with its own fiscal authority and national laws, as well as considerable differences in economic size and performance. Therefore, within the Governing Council we have a strong interest in finding and communicating a consensus perspective. This is, for example, enshrined in our statute, which states that the proceedings of the meetings of the Governing Council are confidential.
When we discussed introducing ECB accounts from our Governing Council meetings – comparable to the published minutes of FOMC meetings – about a decade ago, we aimed to balance two things: On the one hand, to clearly articulate the consensus perspective. Yet on the other hand to represent the full spectrum of views in order to help market participants better understand the ECB Governing Council’s decision-making process.[17]
In the end, the Eurosystem decided to represent the full spectrum of the discussion without naming individuals. Nevertheless, despite the anonymity of the arguments presented, markets and the media alike continue to attempt to discern the identities of the individuals behind them. Given that numerous members of the Governing Council express their views on monetary policy through speeches and interviews, identifying their positions is not a particular challenge.
If there were anonymous dot plots of Governing Council members, media and the markets alike would probably attempt to match individual members to each dot as well. The primary distinction between speeches and dot plots is that Governing Council members deliver speeches voluntarily. In contrast, dot plots would force all Governing Council members to regularly articulate their perspectives on the future trajectory of interest rates. And this could potentially influence the Governing Council’s independence.
Once national stakeholders become aware of “their” representative’s views on future interest rates, they may exert pressure on the representative to align with national interests. I am confident that, even if we were to publish dot plots, every member of the Governing Council would continue to act independently and in the best interests of the entire euro area. However, I believe we are well advised not to put ourselves in a situation that might increase pressure on us to act in ways others want us to.
3.2 Effectiveness of monetary policy communication
My second theme is whether a dot plot could significantly enhance the Eurosystem’s effectiveness of monetary policy communication. And here I am sceptical. To begin with, there is the previously discussed issue: the dot plot may conflict with the consensus message conveyed in the monetary policy statement. But the main reason for my scepticism is that comparative studies on different methods of monetary policy communication are inconclusive.
A BIS working paper shows that interest rate projections provide additional information to macroeconomic projections, meaning that they are not redundant.[18] That could be seen as an argument for introducing dot plots. However, while market participants in countries that publish both interest rate projections and macroeconomic projections prefer the former, they might still be able to obtain sufficient information from macroeconomic projections alone.
Furthermore, research on central bank communication in Norway and Sweden shows that publishing interest rate projections has not improved market understanding of what new macroeconomic information implies for future interest rate.[19] In other words, the publication of interest rate paths did not help market participants better understand the central banks’ reaction functions.
This finding aligns with research published by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand that shows that announcements with interest rate forecasts and those with only written statements lead to similar market reactions across the yield curve.[20] The authors pointedly conclude that, while central bank communication is important, the exact form it takes is less relevant.
This result echoes a seminal study by Blinder and co-authors, who concluded back in 2008 that there was no consensus on what constitutes an optimal communication strategy.[21]
All things considered, I see no compelling evidence that the Eurosystem’s monetary policy communication would be significantly enhanced by the introduction of a dot plot.
3.3 Projection uncertainty
Now to the third and final theme – uncertainty. I am quite sure that the Eurosystem has room to improve how we handle projection uncertainty. Currently, the ECB’s Governing Council summarises its view on the uncertainty surrounding economic growth and inflation in the risk assessment section of its monetary policy statement. More specifically, the Eurosystem addresses the uncertainty around its baseline inflation forecast in two ways.[22]
First, it produces fan charts with symmetric ranges around the point forecast, based on past projection errors. In this setup, past projection errors act as a catch-all proxy for uncertainty. Second, it occasionally publishes risk scenarios, conditional on assumptions different from those in the baseline projection. For instance, during the pandemic, the Eurosystem began using alternative assumptions about the future path of infections and contact restrictions to illustrate macroeconomic uncertainty.
Could the use of dot plots enhance the communication of inflation forecast uncertainty within the Eurosystem? Given that dot plots offer only an indirect method for conveying uncertainty about the inflation outlook, there may be more effective alternatives.
One might be to enhance the communication of our existing measures of uncertainty. Another might be to develop new measures, such as scenario and sensitivity analyses, as well as improved fan charts. We must carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each approach.
Hence, it is quite fitting that the Eurosystem is currently performing an interim strategic review, which includes an analysis of how risk and uncertainty should inform both policy decisions and policy communication. I’m already looking forward to the results.
4 Conclusion
Ladies and gentlemen, let me conclude. I began my talk by discussing different schools of thought – New Keynesian and New Classical – and argued that complex issues are rarely black or white. When it comes to central bank communication about the future, there are certainly many promising approaches. And, undoubtedly, dot plots are an intriguing instrument for central bank communication.
However, given the prevailing evidence, I do not see a compelling case for introducing dot plots for the Eurosystem.
On the other hand, I firmly believe that we can and should enhance how we account for uncertainty in our macroeconomic projections. I have outlined a few options which the Eurosystem will address in the ongoing strategy review.
Footnotes:
Nagel, J. (2022), The ECB’s mandate: maintaining price stability in the euro area, speech at the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies, Harvard University.
Mankiw, G. (2006), The Macroeconomist as Scientist and Engineer, Journal of Economic Perspectives, Vol. 20(4), pp. 29-46.
Goodfriend, M. and R. King (1997), The New Neoclassical Synthesis and the Role of Monetary Policy, in: NBER Macroeconomics Annual, Bernanke, B. and J. Rotemberg (eds.), MIT Press, pp. 231-283.
Mankiw, G. (2006), op. cit.
Campbell, J. et al. (2012), Macroeconomic Effects of Federal Reserve Forward Guidance, Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Vol. 43(1), pp. 1-80. Another distinction is between time-dependent (or calendar-dependent) and state-dependent forward guidance. The former ties monetary policy to a specific time frame, whereas the latter ties future policy actions to specific economic conditions or thresholds. The concepts can overlap and be used in combination.
SEP: Compilation and Summary of Individual Economic Projections, 24-25 January 2012.
FOMC Statement, 25 January 2012.
Bernanke, B. (2012), Transcript of Chairman Bernanke’s Press Conference, 25 January 2012,
Yellen, J. (2014), Transcript of Chair Yellen’s Press Conference, 19 March 2014.
Powell, J. (2019), Monetary Policy: Normalization and the Road Ahead, speech at the SIEPR Economic Summit, Stanford Institute of Economic Policy Research, Stanford, California.
Wessel, D. and S. Boocker (2024), Federal Reserve communication – survey results, Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy at Brookings.
See, for example, Gürkaynak, R. et al. (2005), Do Actions Speak Louder Than Words? The Response of Asset Prices to Monetary Policy Actions and Statements, International Journal of Central Banking, International Journal of Central Banking, Vol. 1(1), pp. 55-93; Wright, J. (2012), What Does Monetary Policy Do to Long‐term Interest Rates at the Zero Lower Bound?, Economic Journal, Vol. 122(564), pp. 447-466; and Swanson, E. (2021), Measuring the effects of federal reserve forward guidance and asset purchases on financial markets, Journal of Monetary Economics, Vol. 118(C), pp. 32-53.
See, for example, Couture, C. (2021), Financial market effects of FOMC projections, Journal of Macroeconomics, Vol. 67 and Hillenbrand, S. (2023), The Fed and the Secular Decline in Interest Rates, Accepted, Review of Financial Studies.
Draghi, M. and V. Constâncio (2013), Introductory statement to the press conference (with Q&A), Frankfurt am Main, 4 July 2013.
See, for example, Altavilla, C. et al. (2021), Assessing the efficacy, efficiency and potential side effects of the ECB’s monetary policy instruments since 2014, ECB Occasional Paper, No. 278; Andrade, P. and F. Ferroni (2021), Delphic and Odyssean monetary policy shocks: Evidence from the euro area, Journal of Monetary Economics, Vol. (117), pp. 816-832; Kerssenfischer, M. (2022), Information effects of euro area monetary policy, Economics Letters, Vol. 216(C); and Monetary Policy Committee, Taskforce on Rate Forward Guidance and Reinvestment (2022), Rate forward guidance in an environment of large central bank balance sheets: A Eurosystem stock-taking assessment, ECB Occasional Paper No. 290.
The Eurosystem produces macroeconomic projections four times a year. ECB staff produces them in March and September. In June and December, they are co-produced by ECB and national central bank staff.
See Morris, S. and H. Shin (2005): Central Bank Transparency and the Signal Value of Prices, Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, Vol.36(2), pp. 1-66 for a general treatment of the role of transparency.
Hofmann, B. and D. Xia (2022), Quantitative forward guidance through interest rate projections, BIS Working Paper No. 1009.
Natvik, G. et al. (2020), Does publication of interest rate paths provide guidance?, Journal of International Money and Finance, Vol. 103.
Detmers, G.-A (2021), Quantitative or Qualitative Forward Guidance: Does it Matter?, Economic Record, Vol. 97(319), pp. 491-503.
Blinder, A. et al. (2008), Central Bank Communication and Monetary Policy: A Survey of Theory and Evidence, Journal of Economic Literature, Vol. 46(4), pp. 910-945.
See ECB (2024), ECB staff macroeconomic projections for the euro area, March 2023, box 6 for a rundown.
Thematic discussions: Business support organizations
The meeting shed light on the work of business support organizations, such as the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and the International Trade Centre, in connecting small businesses with partners to help them export to international markets and utilise opportunities provided by free trade agreements.
It was noted that business support organizations play an important role in facilitating the information flow between the public and private sectors, particularly small business, in addition to gathering feedback and providing advisory services to MSMEs to help them access financing opportunities.
The session was in response to a proposal by the United States (INF/MSME/W/51), which suggested exploring how small businesses are linked to the mechanisms that shape trade policy through local chambers of commerce, trade associations, and/or other local business support organizations.
Success stories
As part of its efforts to strengthen engagement with the private sector, the Group invited Mr Aziz Ndiaye, Founder and Owner of ANEP Company, a small business headquartered in Switzerland, to present his enterprise. ANEP Company specializes in the import and export of exotic fruits and vegetables from Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo and Benin and seeks to deliver positive social impact for the communities benefiting from these trade opportunities.
The two winners of the Small Business Champions initiative (CLAC – Coordinadora Latino americana de Comercio Justo and O’KANATA) presented their winning projects to the Group. Their projects are aimed at helping indigenous people trade internationally through needs assessment surveys, technical assistance and online platforms.
Dr Ayman El Tarabishy, President and CEO of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB), spoke to the Group about the ICSB’s efforts to advance small business research and good practice.
Future work
The Group’s next meeting on 10 December will focus on good regulatory practices for MSMEs and trade digitalization in response to a proposal put forward by the United Kingdom (INF/MSME/W/52).
The UK will explain how MSMEs’ interests are considered in regulatory development, referencing Annex 4 of the December 2020 MSME package. The UK will also discuss various processes and tools used in domestic regulatory procedures that may benefit MSMEs. Various speakers will be invited to talk about the importance of trade digitalization for small businesses and how trade digitalization efforts can be accelerated.
Work is underway to build on the compendium of special provisions on the integration of MSMEs into Authorised Economic Operators programmes published earlier this year. A joint study by the World Customs Organization and the International Chamber of Commerce is being prepared on this issue, using a recent survey as a basis for the report.
New proposal
The Russian Federation presented a proposal (INF/MSME/W/58 – INF/TGE/COM/10) to have a compendium of educational programmes aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in finance and marketing. The compendium’s objective is to help women-owned businesses participate in international trade and assist governments in drafting supporting policies.
Updates
Members shared updates on their implementation of the December 2020 MSME package of recommendations aimed at helping small businesses trade globally. China reported on its ninth Trade Policy Review (TPR), where measures taken to integrate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in its policies were included in its report. Such measures include the provision of policy support documents, tax extensions and the establishment of funds.
China also highlighted its efforts to create a business-friendly environment, such as addressing financing challenges and supporting research and development.
The ITC provided updates on the Global Trade Helpdesk, an online platform intended to bring together trade and business information for companies, especially MSMEs. The ITC noted an increase in the usage of the platform in the United States, India, China and Indonesia, and highlighted recent events including the launch of Bahasa and Chinese versions of the HelpDesk.
MSME-related discussions in the Technical Barriers to Trade Committee and Government Procurement Committee were also shared with the Group. This included a new good practice guide on how to comment on members’ notifications, focusing on the ability of the private sector to provide feedback and track such notifications and on the adoption of a best practice report on measures facilitating the participation of SMEs in government procurement.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released a consultation paper on ‘the Terms and Conditions of Network Authorisations to be Granted Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023’.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), through a letter dated 26.07.2024, informed TRAI that the Telecommunications Act, 2023 has been published in the Official Gazette of India; Section 3(1)(b) of the Act provides for obtaining an authorisation by any person intending to establish, operate, maintain or expand telecommunication network, subject to such terms and conditions, including fees or charges, as may be prescribed. Through the said letter dated 26.07.2024, DoT, under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act 1997, requested TRAI to provide its recommendations on terms and conditions, including fees or charges, for authorisation to establish, operate, maintain or expand telecommunication network as per the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Subsequently, through another letter dated 17.10.2024, DoT requested TRAI to consider an authorisation for satellite communication network under section 3(1)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
In this regard, a consultation paper on ‘the Terms and Conditions of Network Authorisations to be Granted Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023’ has been placed on the TRAI’s website (www.trai.gov.in) for seeking comments/ counter comments from stakeholders. Written comments and counter comments on the issues raised in the consultation paper are invited from stakeholders by 12.11.2024 and 19.11.2024, respectively.
The Comments/ counter-comments may be sent, preferably in electronic form, at advmn@trai.gov.in. For any clarification/ information, Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor (Networks, Spectrum & Licensing), TRAI may be contacted at telephone number +91-11-20907758.
Keeping pace with the latest developments in the Courier Express & Parcel (CEP) market, Department of Posts has started a proof of concept (POC) on 21stOctober, 2024 for transmission of mail through drone between Chowkham Post Office (PO) and Wakro Branch Post Office (BO) located in Namsai and Lohit district, respectively of Arunachal Pradesh, when a drone from Chowkham PO airlifted at 10.40 AM and landed at Wakro BO at 11.02 AM, carrying the mail for the BO. In the return journey, drone airlifted from Wakro BO at 11.44 AM and landed at Chowkham PO at 12.08 PM. Department of Posts has entered into a tie up with SKYE AIR Mobility Private Limited for carrying out the POC. Wakro BO is located at a distance of 45 km from Chowkham PO. However, due to mountainous terrain, existing transmission time for mail between Chowkham PO to Wakro BO is around 2 hrs to 2 ½ hrs. as mail is being carried through the buses of Arunachal Pradesh State Transport services. Transmission of mail through environment friendly drones has reduced the transmission time of mail between Chowkham PO and Wakro BO to 22 mts. – 24 mts. Transmission of mail through drone will not only reduce the transmission time in conveyance of mail, but will also bring reliability in transmission of mail as well as real-time tracking of mail in difficult mountainous areas for the Department. This POC will help the Department in improving the delivery services in areas under Wakro BO. Department of Posts will expand the usage of drones for transmission of mail in other difficult and mountainous areas upon the successful conduct of POC.
The Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, conducted a comprehensive review meeting in Delhi to assess the progress of key National Highway projects in Assam, Sikkim, and Mizoram. The meetings were attended by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union MoS (RTH) Shri Ajay Tamta, Shri Harsh Malhotra, Assam Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Sikkim R&B Minister Shri Nar Bahadur Dahal, Mizoram Chief Minister Shri Lal Duhoma, and other senior officials.
Shri Gadkari reviewed the progress of 57 National Highway projects spanning 1001 km in Assam. The discussion centred on accelerating the pace of mobility infrastructure while ensuring sustainability and cost-efficiency. These efforts are aimed at significantly boosting regional connectivity, raising economic growth, and transforming the state’s infrastructure landscape for long-term benefits.
This initiative aligns with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who envisions a connected and progressive future for Assam. The infrastructure projects in the state are paving the way for growth and prosperity.
Shri Gadkari also assessed the progress of 21 National Highway projects covering 309 km in Sikkim. The meeting highlighted the urgency of expediting infrastructure development with a focus on sustainability and cost-efficiency. This approach aims to enhance connectivity, drive economic growth, and support long-term progress in Sikkim.
📍𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑫𝒆𝒍𝒉𝒊
Reviewed the progress of 21 National Highway projects covering 309 km in Sikkim, along with Union MoS Shri @AjayTamtaBJP Ji, Shri @hdmalhotra Ji, Sikkim R&B Minister Shri Nar Bahadur Dahal Ji, and senior officials in Delhi.
Under the visionary leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi, Sikkim’s highways are playing a vital role in unlocking new avenues for connectivity and development, reshaping the state’s future.
Shri Gadkari also reviewed 24 National Highway projects spanning 572 km in Mizoram. The focus was on accelerating infrastructure development while ensuring sustainability and maintaining cost-efficiency in the execution of projects. The goal is to improve connectivity across Mizoram, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to the state’s long-term transformation.
These initiatives are set to ensure faster progress and long-term benefits for both states, contributing to regional growth and prosperity.
National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) today launched the Third Phase of the ‘Amazon Future Engineer Program’ in 50 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) spread across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Tripura. The third phase would include an orientation on blockchain, artificial intelligence, coding, block programming and AI sessions.
The Commissioner, NESTS Shri Ajeet Kumar Srivastava also inaugurated the four-day in-person teachers’ training workshop as well as the EMRS Coders Expo, an exhibition of Top 20 Coding Projects from EMRSs during the previous academic year, in New Delhi.
Speaking at the event, Sh. Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS highlighted the importance of empowering tribal educators with the skills necessary to teach emerging technologies. Further, during the ceremony, the Commissioner, NESTS felicitated the Top 3 Student Coding Projects for their creativity and innovation, along with the Top 3 IT Teachers for their dedication and guidance throughout the year.
The third phase of the Amazon Future Engineer Program will be rolled out across 410 proposed EMRSs in India. The Amazon Future Engineer Program has been running for two years, has already introduced over 7,000 students in grades 6 to 8 to the fundamentals of computer science and block programming, with over 50 teachers trained in the previous phases. The third phase will expand the curriculum to include blockchain, artificial intelligence, and coding for students in grades 6 to 9. Additionally, project-based virtual sessions will be provided for class 10 students, further aligning with the CBSE AI Skills Curriculum.
NESTS remains committed to fostering technological literacy and modernizing education for tribal students across the nation. Through these capacity-building programs, NESTS aims to ensure that tribal students are well-prepared for future careers in STEM fields, contributing to India’s technological advancement.
First regional workshop under the Panchayat Sammelan series on “Ease of Living: Enhancing Service Delivery at the Grassroots” held at NIRD&PR, Hyderabad. Government committed to transform every Panchayat into a hub of efficient, transparent, and responsive services: Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Posted On: 22 OCT 2024 4:25PM by PIB Hyderabad
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj organized the first regional workshop under the Panchayat Sammelan series on “Ease of Living: Enhancing Service Delivery at the Grassroots” today at the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Hyderabad. Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj participated as chief guest and inaugurated this workshop. Addressing the event, he emphasized that government is committed to transform every panchayat into a hub of efficient, transparent, and responsive services. Noting that Sammelan represents a key milestone in this ongoing process , Shri Bharadwaj stressed that effective service delivery with “seva bhaav” (spirit of service) is key to strengthening rural self-reliance and voluntary tax compliance.
He also highlighted the direct correlation between quality service delivery and citizens willingness to pay taxes, enabling Panchayats to achieve self-reliance through self-generated revenue. He added, that successful service delivery models should be documented and shared to inspire other Panchayats. States with exemplary service delivery frameworks should collaborate with others for model replication. Shri Vivek Bharadwaj also said that the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has approved the provision of 22,164 computers to Gram Panchayats across various states where computers were previously unavailable. This step will significantly enhance access to online services in rural areas. Shri Bharadwaj also mentioned that ministry has also sanctioned the construction of 3,301 Gram Panchayat Bhawans, which will include co-located Common Service Centres (CSCs), further strengthening digital infrastructure at the grassroots level.
Addressing the participants, Dr. G. Narendra Kumar, Director General, NIRD&PR, emphasized that Panchayat representatives and functionaries are tasked with driving positive change at the grassroots level. “By equipping the Panchayat representatives and officials with cutting-edge tools and knowledge, we are setting the stage for a governance revolution that begins from the ground up,” he added.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Shri Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, highlighted various digital interventions including ServicePlus of NIC and RapidPro of UNICEF. He further emphasized that the workshop’s innovative use of technology and focus on collaborative learning has set a new benchmark for future Regional Workshops in the series of Panchayat Sammelan. Informing that that the Hyderabad Panchayat Sammelan is being live streamed in eleven languages through the Bhashini platform, including Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu, he said that this linguistic outreach demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive governance and effective knowledge dissemination across diverse linguistic communities.
Shri Lokesh Kumar D. S., Secretary, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department, Government of Telangana thanked the Ministry of Panchayati Raj for organising this workshop in Hyderabad. This workshop, was organised as a the first in a series of four regional workshops under Panchayat Sammelan. The primary objective of this programme focused to deliberate on innovative approaches and share experiences for enhancing service delivery at the grassroots level. Representatives from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, and Odisha participated in this workshop and shared their insights on challenges and opportunities in service delivery.
The sessions explored the theme of ease of living through leveraging technology for rural service delivery. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) demonstrated the bespoke Service Plus platform, configurable for online service delivery. Presentations from the Wadhwani Foundation, Bhashini, and UNICEF showcased the potential of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Public Goods (DPGs) in streamlining communication and service delivery at the local level. NIRD&PR also conducted a session on Benchmarking Rural Service Delivery, providing valuable frameworks for evaluating and enhancing service effectiveness. Panchayat Sammelan provided the participants with enhanced knowledge and actionable strategies to enhance the governance and service delivery mechanism at the Panchayat level.
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced an event on the completion of 75 years of Bharatiya Adim Jati Sevak Sangh in New Delhi today (October 22, 2024).
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that her visit to Thakkar Bapa Smarak Sadan is like a visit to a sacred place. She paid her respect to Thakkar Bapa.
The President was happy to note that the Bharatiya Adim Jati Sevak Sangh is working with the ideals of Thakkar Bapa. It works on issues like poverty, illiteracy and poor health prevalent in the tribal society. She also noted that this Sangh is working for the welfare and empowerment of girls and women. She expressed confidence that people associated with the Bharatiya Adim Jati Sevak Sangh will continue to maintain their dedication in the future as well by following the ideals of public service established by Thakkar Bapa.
India to Develop Roadmap Post-20% Ethanol Blending Target, Says Minister Hardeep Singh Puri at G-STIC Conference Shri Puri Highlights Importance of Addressing Energy Trilemma: Balancing Affordability, Availability, and Sustainability
Outlines Role of Ujjwala Scheme in Providing Affordable LPG to Economically Weaker Sections of Society
Posted On: 22 OCT 2024 6:31PM by PIB Delhi
Addressing the 7th G-STIC Delhi Conference on “Accelerating Technologies Solutions for the SDGs,” Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, articulated India’s evolving journey towards sustainable energy solutions. Highlighting the potential for these technological advancements to be replicated across the Global South, Shri Puri provided insights into the complexities of energy transitions within democratic frameworks, emphasizing that there is no clear answer to whether these transitions are inherently easier or more difficult in democracies.
The 7th G-STIC (Global Sustainable Technology and Innovation Community) Conference organized by TERI and VITO along with the support of eight other not-for-profit independent technology research institutes, is being hosted in India for the first time. The Conference will deliberate on challenges under the umbrella theme “Harmonizing Technology, Policy and Business Pathways for Sustainable Future and Coexistence”.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Conference, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri discussed the critical trilemma that democratically elected governments face globally: balancing affordability, availability, and sustainability in energy policy. He pointed out that as global energy demand rises, India’s own energy consumption is projected to increase significantly—from 5.4 million barrels per day today to an anticipated 7 million barrels per day by 2030. This growing demand positions India as a major contributor to global energy consumption, with projections indicating that 25% of the increase in global energy demand over the next two decades will originate from India alone.
Affordability remains a primary concern in addressing this energy transition. The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to research and development, citing innovative solutions such as hydrogen fuel cell technology being piloted in public transport. Currently, India is operating 15 hydrogen-powered buses, which are still in the demonstration phase. These initiatives reflect a broader vision for sustainable transport solutions that can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint.
A highlight of the address was the substantial progress made in ethanol blending, which has surged from just 1.53% in 2013-14 to 16% today. This achievement has prompted the government to advance its blending target of 20% from 2030 to 2025, showcasing a proactive approach to energy sustainability. Shri Puri noted that discussions have already begun to establish a roadmap for sustainable energy solutions beyond the 20% blending target, indicating a forward-thinking strategy that anticipates future energy needs.
The Minister stressed the need for addressing the energy requirements of developing nations, particularly in the Global South, where many countries rely heavily on energy imports. He expressed confidence that the success of India’s ethanol initiatives could serve as a model for these regions, although he acknowledged that unlike Brazil, India lacks the luxury of abundant arable land for biofuel production. Nevertheless, he emphasized the potential for innovative biofuel strategies to alleviate import dependency while addressing local energy needs.
The Minister also highlighted the transformative impact of the Ujjwala scheme, launched in 2016, which has significantly expanded access to cooking gas. The number of cylinder connections has increased from 140 million to 330 million, providing clean cooking fuels to economically weaker sections of society. This initiative, along with other social schemes of Government, has played a crucial role in lifting approximately 250 million people out of multidimensional poverty under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
In his concluding remarks, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri focused on the potential of green hydrogen as a game-changer for India’s energy landscape. He outlined the importance of local demand, production, and consumption in making green hydrogen a viable energy source. The key challenge remains in reducing the cost of production, and he called for ongoing innovation and scaling of technology in this sector.
The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) convened theBrainstorming Session and First Meeting of Nodal Officers for the Mission on Science & Technology for Sustainable Livelihood Systemtoday (October 22nd, 2024) at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe in New Delhi.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. (Mrs.) Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, O/o PSA and was joined by key government officials, identified as nodal officers from various ministries/departments including Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
This mission aims to leverage scientific advancements and technological innovations to enhance livelihoods and promote sustainable development across communities. The mission, to be implemented by DST, was recommended during the 22nd Prime Minister’s Science, Technology & Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) meeting held on January 19, 2023, to strengthen the technology delivery mechanism for improving quality of life.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Maini highlighted the need for collaboration across sectors, bringing convergence of existing programs to create scalable and inclusive livelihood models for ensuring last mile connectivity of the STI interventions in the mission. The key objective of today’s meeting included defining the roles and responsibilities of each ministry/department in the different components of the program and formulating a strategy for selecting pilot sites for implementation.
Presentation was made by Dr. Sangeeta Agarwal, Scientist-F, O/o PSA highlighting the objectives of the mission, importance of definite roles of each participating ministry/department for successful implementation of the program and also presented the strategy for the selection of sites for pilot initiation of the mission. This was followed by presentation by Dr. Anita Aggarwal, DST on the SEED Division programs and IIT Delhi on Unnat Bharat Abhiyan.
After the presentations, the Chair invited interventions from the nodal officers of each ministry/department. Each ministry/department clearly brought out the efforts being made by them in implementing their flagship schemes at the district and village levels. They shared insights on how these schemes may converge and contribute to the national mission.
The session concluded with all the nodal officers agreeing to provide inputs regarding ongoing schemes/programs and their geographical spread. These inputs shall aid in identification and selection of sites for pilot scale implementation of the mission.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launches ‘International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System’ Another step by Department of Telecom (DoT) to protect Citizens from cyber frauds
The system identifies and blocks the incoming international calls posing as Indian phone numbers
System identified and blocked about 1.35 crore calls as spoofed calls in last 24 hrs, which are 90 % of all the incoming international calls
Posted On: 22 OCT 2024 6:28PM by PIB Delhi
Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region today launched ‘International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System’, in the presence of Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar. The launch ceremony was attended by Secretary Telecom and other senior officers. This is another milestone of DoT’s efforts towards building a safe digital space and protecting citizens from cyber-crime.
Of late, cyber criminals have been committing cyber-crimes by making international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers (+91-xxxxxxxxx). These calls appear to be originating within India but are actually being made from abroad by manipulating the calling line identity (CLI) or commonly known as phone number.
These spoofed calls have been used for financial scams, impersonating government officials, and creating panic. There have also been cases of cyber-crime threatening disconnection of mobile numbers by DoT/TRAI officials, fake digital arrests, drugs/narcotics in courier, impersonation as police officials, arrest in sex racket etc.
Department of Communications (DoT) and Telecom Service (TSPs) have collaborated and devised a system to identify and block such incoming international spoofed calls from reaching the Indian telecom subscribers. The system was made operational and it has been observed that within 24 hours of operation of the system, about 1.35 crore or 90% from all the incoming international calls with Indian phone numbers were identified as spoofed calls and blocked by TSPs from reaching Indian telecom subscribers. Indian telecom subscribers should see a significant reduction in such spoofed calls with +91-xxxxxxx numbers with implementation of this system.
Despite such best efforts, there could be cases where fraudsters succeed through other means. For such calls, you can help by reporting such suspected fraud communications at Chakshu facility on Sanchar Saathi (http://www.sancharsaasthi,gov.in). The DoT remains committed to proactively combating cybercrime.
For those who have already lost money or been victims of cybercrime, please report the incident at the cybercrime helpline number 1930 or website https://www.cybercrime.gov.in
The All-India Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) (Base: 1986-87=100) registered an increase of 7 points each in September 2024, reaching levels of 1304 and 1316, respectively.
The year-on-year inflation rates based on CPI-AL and CPI-RL for the month of September, 2024 were recorded at 6.36% and 6.39%, compared to 6.70% and 6.55% in September, 2023. The corresponding figures for August, 2024 were 5.96% for CPI-AL and 6.08% for CPI-RL.
All India Consumer Price Index (General and Group-wise):
Get Set Go … for the Film Fiesta in Goa! This Year, No FOMO! Ticket to 55th IFFI 2024 Awaits you!
Delegate Registration opens for 55th IFFI
Posted On: 22 OCT 2024 6:10PM by PIB Mumbai
#IFFIwood, 22nd October 2024
As November comes with a festive spirit, we invite you to be part of the annual festival of films – the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) – scheduled to be held from 20th to 28th November 2024 in Panaji, Goa. It is here that film lovers from around the globe gather to celebrate the joy of cinema by the magnificent backdrop of the Arabian sea in the State of Goa.
You may hail from different corners of the world and from different cultural backgrounds, but IFFI offers a chance to come together for the love for films. To celebrate this connection, we invite everyone to join in the joy of storytelling and the magic of the big screen. You may register at https://my.iffigoa.org/ and become an IFFI delegate for this year’s festival.
Why attend IFFI?
At the 55th IFFI, you will discover a diverse line up of films from all over the world in 16 curated segments. Whether you are into heartwarming dramas, thrilling documentaries, or innovative short films, there is something for every film buff to enjoy in this festival. The delegates will even have the exclusive chance to watch many films before anyone else as several films will be making their national and international premieres right here at IFFI.
But it’s not just about watching films; but about learning the art of story-telling too!
IFFI offers workshops and master classes led by legendary filmmakers and industry professionals who are eager to share their insights and experiences. Engage in lively discussions, share your ideas, and build friendships beyond boundaries that could spark your next big project if you are a passionate and budding filmmaker.
You will also have the chance to experience the glitz and glamour of the film industry first-hand. The IFFI Red Carpet features a lineup of renowned filmmakers, actors and industry icons who gather to celebrate their work and share their passion for cinema. IFFI delegates will get to meet and connect with filmmakers, actors, and industry experts. Imagine engaging in lively discussions and exchanging ideas with the people who shape the films you love.
Beyond this, IFFI once more brings back the 2024 editions of ‘Creative Minds of Tomorrow’, ‘Film Bazaar’ and ‘Cine Mela’ making the International Film Festival of India a ‘One Stop Shop’ for budding talent and everything Films.
So, get ready for an experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible cinematic journey.
Accessibility at IFFI
In an effort towards inclusivity, the festival venue is designed to be accessible featuring various amenities to ensure a barrier-free experience. The infrastructure of the venue has also been revamped for the special needs of the Divyangjan. The premises of ESG and other venues where the films are being screened have been made barrier-free with provisions of ramps, handrails, divyangjan-friendly tactile walkways, parking spaces, retrofitted toilets, signboards in Braille etc., ensuring that in celebrating films, nobody is left behind.
Delegate registration for the 55th edition of IFFI continues till the festival ends. The categories are as follows:
Film Professionals
Registration fee: ₹1180 (including 18% GST)
Benefits: Online accreditation, extra ticket, and free access to panels and screenings.
Cine Enthusiasts
Registration fee: ₹1180 (including 18% GST)
Benefits: Online accreditation and free access to panels and screenings.
Delegate – Student
Registration fee: ₹0
Benefits: Online accreditation, free access to panels and screenings, with an allowance of 4 tickets per day.
These categories offer different benefits tailored to professionals, cinema lovers, and students of cinema. While Students receive special access with 4 tickets per day, providing them with a broader exposure to films and events, film professionals have access to one extra ticket per day.
Delegates receive online accreditation, ensuring streamlined access to all events and venues during the festival. Create your My-IFFI account https://my.iffigoa.org/ to access your personalized dashboard, where you can book tickets and check festival schedules. If you have any questions or issues, contact registration@iffigoa.org. Register now and let’s celebrate the art of films, together.
May the Force Be with You as you book your tickets to Goa and join us for the film fiesta!
About IFFI
Founded in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands as one of Asia’s premier film festivals. Since its inception, IFFI has aimed to celebrate films, their captivating stories, and the talented individuals behind them. The festival seeks to promote and spread a deep appreciation and love for films, build bridges of understanding and camaraderie among people, and inspire them to reach new heights of individual and collective excellence.
IFFI is organized annually by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, in collaboration with the Entertainment Society of Goa, Government of Goa, and the host state.
For the latest updates on the 55th IFFI, visit the festival website at http://www.iffigoa.org .
The Defence Minister of Singapore, Dr Ng Eng Hen called on the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (October 22, 2024).
Welcoming Dr Hen to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said that India and Singapore have a rich history of bilateral cooperation, which has been further boosted by the recent visit of Prime Minister Modi to Singapore and the conclusion of the 2nd round of India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable meeting. She was happy to note that the relationship has been elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The President congratulated Singapore for successfully co-hosting the maiden ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, and conveyed best wishes to the armed forces of both sides for the upcoming series of joint exercises.
The President also noted the need for closer collaboration between defence R&D teams of both countries, to benefit from the latest expertise and technological advancements in the defence domain.
Indian art offers a model of inclusivity in a divided world: Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Bharat is a gold mine of fine arts, says Vice-President at the Concluding Ceremony of International Festival on Indian Dance
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi India achieved global acceptance in the area of Dance, Culture, Yoga, Ayush and Indian Music: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Posted On: 21 OCT 2024 9:30PM by PIB Delhi
Indian art, particularly dance, offers a model of inclusivity in a world increasingly divided by conflicts and discord, said Vice-President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar. He emphasized the power of India’s rich cultural heritage to unite people across boundaries, stating, “In a world grappling with conflicts, transgressions, and discord, Indian art offers a ray of light. When the tunnel is filled with challenges and divisiveness, it is culture, dance, and music that unite us across barriers. Howsoever divisive the world may be, the unity brought about by our culture is impregnable, soothing, and lasting.”
Addressing the gathering at the International Festival on Indian Dance, organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), the Vice-President said, “Performing arts have the power to unite, heal, inspire, and motivate. Dance artists are cultural and peace ambassadors, promoting dialogue and laying the groundwork for soothing diplomatic maneuvers. Dance is a great facet of cultural diplomacy, fostering understanding and connection across boundaries.”
Shri Dhankhar hailed India’s cultural richness, noting, “Bharat is a gold mine of fine arts. Our cultural revival integrates ancient wisdom with contemporary practices, further cementing India’s image as a cultural powerhouse. The world witnessed this during our G20 Presidency, where our culture was showcased as a feast for the senses. Culture, dance, and music are the universal languages of mankind, understood and appreciated globally.”
On this occasion, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat expressed gratitude to Vice President Shri Jaideep Dhankhar for his esteemed presence, and also
extended a warm welcome to Lok Sabha, MP, Smt. Hema Malini, Padma Vibhushan recipient Ms. Padma Subrahmanyam, the Chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi, Dr. Sandhya Purecha and thanked them for their contribution towards India’s dance traditions.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism said that this ‘Maha Kumbh’ of our culture that lasted for 6 days is a symbol of India’s cultural diversity and prosperity. The event has paved the way for not only a beautiful display of art, but also narrations, lectures and discussions on various subjects related to art.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said, “You all have proposed 14 such topics and points of resolution which will serve as a guide for the Ministry of Culture of India in the coming times and will make a big contribution in re-establishing and showcasing India’s cultural importance on the global stage.”
Further, he evoked Acharya Dhananjay and his great work ‘Dasharupakam’, and said, “He had talked about ‘Bhavaasrayam Nrityam’, meaning ‘dance is all about bhaava’. In this great tradition of ours, ‘bhaava’ was indeed the most prominent element in the history of humanity, which deeply embedded the sentiment of public welfare and global brotherhood.”
He also said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, not only has India achieved global acceptance in the area of dance and culture, but also in the fields of Indian Yoga, our Ayush tradition and medical system, Indian music and Indian knowledge systems. The Minister added that dance, done with utmost sincerity, can definitely establish unity with the universal conscience and at the same time further enrich India’s role as a beacon for the world.
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has been awarded with SHRM – HR Excellence Awards for ‘Excellence in Inclusion, Equity & Diversity’ and ‘Excellence in Managing the Distributed Workforce’ categories at the prestigious SHRM India Annual Conference 2024 held in New Delhi, recently.
The awards are a testimony to the pioneering HR practices and initiatives being undertaken across SAIL, at its various Plants and Units spread nationwide, for inclusive growth of workforce in the organization. The company regards its employees as fundamental to its success and at the heart of all its operations. SAIL has been continually undertaking various steps for better employee motivation and engagement.
Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry and Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, addressed the audience during the above conference. Many industry stalwarts also shared their views and insights on the occasion. During one of the interactive sessions, Shri K.K. Singh, Director (Personnel), SAIL spoke about innovative HR practices at SAIL and also highlighted the importance of HR in building a resilient Workforce in the contemporary ‘Competitive Business Environment’.
Dr. Jitendra Singh Urges Optimal Use of AI in Government Working AI Session at PMO Unites Officials cross Ranks, Promotes Inclusive Learning Under Mission Karmayogi
Minister Calls for Responsible Use of AI in Governance, Highlights PM’s Mission Karmayogi Vision
Posted On: 22 OCT 2024 5:28PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised the need for the optimal use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government working to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Speaking at a special session on AI organised for the staff of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) at South Block here, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the critical role AI can play in revolutionizing governance, streamlining operations, and improving decision-making processes across various government departments. The session, which saw participation from officers across all levels—from Section Officers to the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister to the Union Minister—was a unique demonstration of breaking hierarchical barriers within the PMO, with officials learning the same advanced concepts alongside each other.
Addressing the session, which included senior officials like Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Mr. P.K. Mishra and Advisors to the PM, Mr. Amit Khare, Mr. Tarun Kapoor and other senior officers, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored that AI has the power to automate routine tasks, freeing up government officials to focus on more strategic areas of governance. He highlighted how AI could transform key sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and public service delivery, ensuring that government departments become more efficient and public services more responsive to citizen needs.
The session was part of the ongoing “National Learning Week” under Mission Karmayogi, an ambitious capacity-building initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at empowering government employees with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complexities of modern governance. The initiative focuses on creating a more agile, transparent, and effective bureaucracy, and today’s session on AI was a step in that direction.
Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the Prime Minister’s vision for Mission Karmayogi, stating that it not only enhances the skills of individual officers but also promotes a collaborative and inclusive learning environment, where traditional hierarchies are dissolved in favour of collective learning and growth.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also emphasised the importance of deploying AI responsibly, stressing the need to safeguard data privacy, particularly in sensitive areas of government functioning. “While AI holds immense potential for enhancing productivity, it must be implemented with caution to ensure confidentiality and data security,” the Minister said, adding that strong security measures are necessary to protect AI systems from cyber threats and unauthorised access. He also called attention to the ethical considerations in the use of AI, urging that fairness and transparency be maintained while avoiding biases in decision-making.
Participants at the session discussed AI’s role in advancing India’s national infrastructure, security, and economic growth. The collective learning atmosphere encouraged open dialogue on how AI can be leveraged to strengthen India’s digital backbone, improve public service delivery, and support the country’s long-term vision for sustainable growth. The session also marked the beginning of India’s first practical AI data bank, designed to accelerate technological growth over the next decade.
One of the key discussions at the session was on the role of AI in building smart physical and digital infrastructure, essential for India’s long-term growth. Experts at the session highlighted that AI will reshape national security and public infrastructure, calling for more innovation in front-end technologies—a crucial area where India is seeking to enhance its capabilities.
AI’s potential to drive industrial transformation, improve the quality of education, and generate employment was also explored. Participants underscored the importance of scaling successful AI use cases, particularly in manufacturing and healthcare, to ensure that the benefits of AI reach a broader population.
A significant highlight of the session was the call for the development of India’s first practical AI data bank. This initiative is expected to unlock AI’s potential for accelerated growth over the next decade, positioning India as a leader in practical AI applications. The roadmap for AI’s growth focused on a balanced model of development that ensures human-centricity, environmental sustainability, and resilience.
The session also touched upon AI’s role in addressing geopolitical challenges, noting how AI technologies are influencing global power dynamics. The participants emphasised that India must develop an AI framework that responds to these evolving dynamics, ensuring that the country remains competitive on the global stage.
The event concluded with a vision for India in 2035 and beyond to 2047, emphasising the importance of citizen empowerment through AI. The focus was on creating an inclusive AI ecosystem that supports growth, transforms governance, and ensures equitable development for all sectors of society.
As per the Prime Minister’s call, the National Learning Week will focus on learning through various forms of engagement by individual participants, as well as Ministries, Departments, and Organizations. During this week, each Karmayogi will commit to completing at least 4 hours of competency-based learning.
In concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to harnessing AI for nation-building, assuring that all efforts would be made to integrate AI responsibly into various government functions. He encouraged every government official to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by Mission Karmayogi, as the initiative continues to redefine governance by breaking down barriers, fostering inclusivity, and equipping India’s bureaucracy with the tools of tomorrow.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), has proudly unveiled its new logo, which represents its renewed focus on delivering secure, affordable, and reliable connectivity to every corner of Bharat. The logo was launched by Hon. Union Minister of Communications & Development of NE Region Sri Jyotiraditya M Scindia in presence of Hon. MOS for Communications & Rural Development Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar. The launch ceremony was held at Bharat Sanchar Bhavan and was attended by Secretary Telecom, CMD BSNL& senior Officers from DoT, BSNL, CDoT, ITI & TCIL.
Alongside the new logo, BSNL has announced seven pioneering initiatives, aimed at revolutionizing how India connects, communicates, and enhances its digital security.
New Logo – Vibrancy, Trust, and Nationwide Reach
BSNL’s new logo symbolizes strength, trust, and accessibility. The green and white arrows surrounding India emphasize the company’s expansive nationwide reach, while the vibrant orange backdrop signifies warmth and inclusivity. The bold tagline ‘Connecting Bharat‘ highlights BSNL’s unwavering mission to bridge the digital divide by offering a modern, reliable telecom network that connects both urban and rural India.
Seven New Initiatives Built on Three Key Pillars
Security:
Spam! Free Network
BSNL’s spam-blocking solution automatically filtering out phishing attempts and malicious SMS and creates a safer communication environment for user swithout the need to issue alerts to customers, ensuring seamless and secure communication for all users.
Affordability:
BSNL National Wi-Fi Roaming
BSNL is launching a first-of-its-kind seamless Wi-Fi roaming service for its FTTH customers, enabling high-speed internet access at BSNL hotspots at no extra charge, thus minimizing data costs for users.
BSNL IFTV
A first for India, BSNL’s fiber-based intranet TV service offers 500+ live channels and Pay TV through its FTTH network. This service will be accessible for all BSNL FTTH subscribers without additional charges. The data used for the TV viewing will not be consuming the FTTH Data pack.
Any Time SIM (ATS) Kiosks
A first of it kind- Automated SIM kiosks allow users to purchase, upgrade, port or replace SIMs on 24/7basis , leveraging UPI/QR-enabled payments with seamless KYC integration and multi-lingual access.
Reliability:
Direct-to-Device Service
India’s first Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity solution converges satellite and terrestrial mobile networks to deliver seamless, reliable connectivity. This groundbreaking technology is particularly useful in emergency situations and isolated regions, and can enable UPI payments in such areas.
‘Public Protection & Disaster Relief’ – as a solution
BSNL’s scalable, secure network for disaster response is India’s first guaranteed encrypted communication for government and relief agencies during crises, enhancing national disaster management capabilities. The robust network design guarantees uninterrupted connectivity and also uses innovative drone-based and balloon-based systems to extend coverage during disasters.
First Private 5G in Mines
BSNL introduces reliable, low-latency, 5G connectivity for mining operations in partnership with C-DAC, leveraging Made-in-India equipment and BSNL’s technological expertise. This service enables advanced AI and IoT applications, in underground mines and large opencast mine which require high speed low latency connectivity, such as safety analytics, real-time remote control of AGVs, AR enabled remote maintenance, fleet tracking & optimization, etc.
These launches signal BSNL’s continuing commitment in transforming India’s telecom landscape, ensuring that secure, affordable and reliable connectivity remains accessible to all.
MoS Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani addresses concluding session of two day Workshop on Modern Technologies in Survey-Resurvey for Urban Land Records at New Delhi today More than administrative tools, accurate land records are the back bone of socio economic planning, public service delivery and conflict resolution: Dr Pemmasani
International workshop explored range of innovations including advances in survey-Resurvey techniques, Geo spatial tools, Drone and Aircraft technologies and GIS integrated solutions: MoS Dr Pemmasani
Posted On: 22 OCT 2024 5:16PM by PIB Delhi
Minister of State for Rural development Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani addressed concluding session of two day Workshopon Modern Technologies in Survey-Resurvey for Urban Land Records at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi today. Minister of state during his speech emphasized that morethan administrative tools, accurate land records are the back bone of socio economic planning, public service delivery and conflict resolution .This international workshop explored range of innovations including advances in survey-Resurvey techniques, geo spatial tools, drone and aircraft technologies and GIS integrated solutions. The collective insights shared in this workshop will act as bedrock for building smarter and more efficient urban management system in India. This event has brought together global experts and leaders united in the mission to explore innovative solution for urban land survey, he added.
Dr. Pemmasani said that as rural land records evolved urban land management must also rise to meet the demand of rapid urbanisation of cities and land administration must keep pace to ensure equitable development. We now stand at a pivotal moment in urban governance where technology meets opportunity. More than tools like Drones, aircraft based survey and satellite imagery offer unparalleled precisions, these technologies provide Ortho rectified images (ORI) , geo referenced maps that are both accurate and truth to the earth surface. By deploying these tools we reduce human errors increase efficiency and collect consistent up-to-date data in the most challenging urban environment with tall buildings, dense vegetation and complex land usage patterns. Integrating these images into GIS platforms will turn data into actionable insights enabling urban planning real estate development infra structure management, and even disaster preparedness with unprecedented precisions.
The union minister of State added over the past decade, India, under the visionary Leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has made significant strides with initiatives such as the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). He added that India has digitized Records of Rights (RoR) across over 6.25 lakh villages, launched the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), also known as Bhu-Aadhaar, and created seamless integration between revenue and registration systems. However, as rural land records evolve, urban land management must also rise to meet the demands of rapid urbanization. Cities are expanding vertically and horizontally, and land administration must keep pace to ensure equitable development. He emphasized that urban land management is not just a technical exercise but is the foundation of economic growth, industrial development, and social harmony.
Dr Pemmasani said that moreover by creating spatially enabled land records we can resolve longstanding issues such as overlapping ownership claims, inconsistent land valuations and boundary disputes. The time has come to move beyond traditional costly and time consuming surveys and adapt these advanced technologies for a new era in urban governance. Union minister of state pleased to learn that this workshop features impactful case studies and representative from several countries across the globe US, South Korea, Spain, Germany, India and other countries shared experiences overcoming the challenges of urban land management . This workshop is not the end but the beginning of a transformative journey. The insights gained here will shape national programme to modernize urban land records. We envision the creation of pilot projects across select cities combined with capacity building initiatives for local bodies and state officials. As we leave this workshop let us Carrie with a shared commitment to apply the knowledge technologies and solutions discussed here. Together we will create a transparent efficient and equitable system of urban land management, he added. Dr Pemmasani emphasised that urban land management is not just a technical exercise and it is the foundation of economic growth, industrial development and social harmony.
Union minister congratulated the entire department of land resources and the all officials for this one of a kind movement and presenting the modern India’s capabilities to the rest of the world.
The Department of Land Resources has sanctioned a pilot programme called the “National geospatial Knowledge-based land Survey of urban Habitations (NAKSHA)” with a view to create Land Records in about 130 cities in all the States / UTs within an expected time of one year to be followed by more phases to complete the whole exercise in about 4900 Urban Local Bodies within an expected period of 5 years.
The workshop was organized with a view to consult experts of other countries on creation and collation of land records, discuss and understand the global best practices in usage of new and emerging technologies for the benefit of the stakeholders, especially the representatives of State Governments. The workshop facilitated discussions on Advanced Land Mapping with Accurate and Efficient Ortho Rectified Image Generation using aerial photography for mapping urban land parcels and properties. The speakers from Industry partners and international experts from USA, Spain, South Korea, France, Germany, Netherlands, UK, Japan and Australia presented their views during the workshop. The workshop facilitated presentations on successful case studies innovative approaches, policy frameworks, technological advancements and stakeholder involvement.
The workshop has been an excellent gathering of experts and leaders from across the globe and from within the country and one of its kind on the important topic of Urban land survey. It facilitated discussions on the advancements and innovations in modern technologies in survey-resurvey for urban land records and also showcased cutting-edge technologies by both Indian and international firms that can revolutionize land administration in urban areas of our country.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurates several farmer welfare activities worth ₹300 crore during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the birth anniversary of Shri Tribhuvan Patel in Anand, Gujarat Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the SoP for White Revolution 2.0 has been issued, now, one lakh new and existing dairies will be empowered, and milk routes will be expanded
Tribhuvan Das ji set aside his personal interests and worked for the empowerment of poor farmers
Tribhuvan Das ji created a small cooperative which is today doing business worth thousands of crores of rupees by connecting 2 crore farmers with the cooperative sector
Over the past 60 years, NDDB has empowered and organized farmers, as well as mothers and sisters, contributing significantly to their upliftment and development
Branding cooperative products and preparing them to compete with corporate products is key to success
NDDB has accelerated rural development while making agriculture self-reliant
Animal husbandry by cooperatives leads to prosperity of farmers along with strengthening fight against malnutrition
NDDB has started vegetable processing, which will allow vegetables produced by farmers to reach markets worldwide, ensuring the profits go directly to the farmers
Prime Minister Modi’s visionary scheme of Gobardhan Yojana is not only enhancing soil conservation and improving crop quality, but also contributing to a cleaner environment
Posted On: 22 OCT 2024 5:03PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, today inaugurated several farmer welfare schemes worth ₹300 crore during the National Dairy Development Board’s (NDDB) diamond jubilee celebration along with the commemoration of birth anniversary of Shri Tribhuvandas Patel in Anand, Gujarat. On this occasion, several dignitaries were present, including the Union Minister for Panchayati Raj, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
In his address, Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) for the recently launched White Revolution 2.0 have been released, incorporating all the key farmer-friendly points outlined by the Prime Minister. He mentioned that Cooperative Sector will empower one lakh new and existing dairies, and the second white revolution will expand milk routes.
Shri Shah said that Tribhuvandas ji was a personality whose hardworking life is difficult to describe. Setting aside his personal interests, Shri Tribhuwandas Patel worked with a unique vision for the empowerment of the country’s poor farmers. He worked for the empowerment of the poor farmers of the country by renouncing self. Throughout his life, Tribhuvandas ji distanced himself from personal gain and dedicated his efforts to connecting every farmer in the country with the true spirit of cooperation, achieving great success in this endeavor. Shri Shah said that it is because of Tribhuvan Das Ji that 5 crore cattle rearers of the country sleep peacefully and today crores of farmers of the country, especially women, are prospering. Tribhuvan Das Ji created a small cooperative society which today is doing business worth thousands of crores of rupees by connecting 2 crore farmers of the country with the cooperative sector.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that in 1964, former Prime Minister Shri. Lal Bahadur Shastri visited Amul Dairy and decided that not only Gujarat but livestock owners across the entire country should benefit from this successful model. Following this, Shastri ji decided to establish the NDDB. He said that in 60 years, NDDB has not only empowered and organised cooperative sector, farmers and mothers and sisters across the country, but has also worked to raise their awareness about their rights. He said that when animal husbandry is done through cooperatives, it not only brings prosperity to farmers but also addresses the issue of malnourished children in the country. The trust built through Amul has not only empowered women but also laid the foundation for creating strong citizens by providing nutrition to children.
Shri Amit Shah said that NDDB accelerated the development of the rural sector and the country as well as made agriculture self-reliant. He said Tribhuvan ji had laid the foundation of NDDB which has today become a very big institution not only in the country but in the world. He said that in 1987, NDDB became an official institution, and from 1970 to 1996, it developed and implemented the Operation Flood program, which led to the White Revolution. He noted Amul is conducting annual business worth ₹60,000 crore today which was initially built on the very small shared capital from women. Shri Shah said that in 1964, when Lal Bahadur Shastri ji decided to establish NDDB, no one knew that it will grow akin to a small seed growing one day into a massive banyan tree. NDDB’s liquid milk sales have reached 427 lakh liters per day, with procurement at 589 lakh liters per day. Its revenue has increased from ₹344 crore to ₹426 crore, and the net profit stands at ₹50 crore.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that NDDB has started processing vegetables, allowing the vegetables produced by our farmers to reach the entire world, and the profits will be distributed down to the grassroots under the cooperative model. He said that the Gobardhan scheme has led to the conservation and enhancement of our land, increased yields, improved farmer prosperity, and a cleaner environment. Gas and fertilizer are being produced from cow dung, and carbon credit payments are reaching our mothers and sisters. Shri Shah stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has implemented the Gobardhan scheme on the ground through visionary decision-making. He also mentioned that NDDB has registered 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
Shri Amit Shah mentioned that after NDDB’s initiative, all plants in the dairy sector will now be built in India under the Make in India program. He mentioned that today the foundation stone was laid for a Mother Dairy fruit and vegetable processing unit worth ₹210 crore. Additionally, the Badri Ghee from Uttarakhand and the Gir Ghee brand from Mother Dairy were also launched today. He said that branding the cooperative’s products and preparing them to compete in the market with corporate goods is key to success. Today, our Amul brand holds the top position globally, which is a significant achievement for us. He also mentioned that farmers of apricots from Ladakh, apples from Himachal, and pineapples from Meghalaya will benefit from the initiatives launched today.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the Ministry of Cooperation has established three new national-level cooperative institutions. Such new initiatives can only be taken when the leadership is genuinely concerned about the farmers. He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has implemented several initiatives and schemes in the cooperative sector. Currently, there are approximately 22 state federations and 231 district federations, along with 28 marketing dairies and 21 milk-producing companies operating in the sector.
Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi government is going to establish 2 lakh new Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), which will significantly strengthen our cooperative framework. He said that this initiative will enhance the strength of all entities in the cooperative sector. He highlighted that India has surpassed the United States of America with a milk production of 231 million tons, securing the top position in the world. Our milk production growth rate is 6%, while the global growth rate is only 2%. Today, eight crore rural families produce milk daily, but only one and a half crore are connected to the cooperative sector. He emphasized that this means the remaining 6.5 crore families are not receiving fair prices and are being exploited. Union Minister of Cooperation asserted that the government’s goal will be to ensure that in the future, all eight crore farming families involved in milk production receive full compensation for their hard work and are able to connect with the cooperative sector.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that as a result of the campaign to empower cooperatives, the availability of milk in the country which was 40 kilograms per person in 1970, increased to 103 kilograms in 2011, and further rose to 167 kilograms per person in 2023. He noted that the average global milk availability per person is 117 kilograms.
Ministry of coal announces a significant achievement in sustainable mining practices with the issuance of final mine closure certificates for the Pathakhera Area of M/s WCL. It marks a major step forward in environmental rehabilitation efforts within the coal mining sector.
The event was graced by the presence of Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, the Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shri Sajeesh Kumar N, Coal Controller, and senior officials from the Ministry of Coal, Coal Controller Organisation and CMDs of Coal/Lignite PSUs.
This certificate is accorded to the effect that protective, reclamation and rehabilitation works in accordance with final mine closure provisions as per the approved mining plan have been carried out by the mine owner. Coal Controller Organisation, a subordinate office of Ministry of Coal, is the Issuing Authority.
The three mines which received closure certificates are:
Pathakhera Mine No-II UG: Originally opened in January 1970 under NCDC ownership in Betul District. This mine has been closed due to the exhaustion of coal reserves.
Pathakhera Mine No- I UG: Established on May 16, 1963, in Betul District, Madhya Pradesh. This mine has been closed due to the exhaustion of extractable reserves in all three coal seams.
Satpura II UG Mine: Opened in June 1973 in Betul District. This mine has been closed due to depletion of coal resources within approved project limits.
The Final mine closure certificates were received by Shri JP Dwivedi CMD, WCL, Shri Deepak Rewatkar, GM (safety)WCL & Shri LK Mohapatra, Area General Manager, Patharkheda Area WCL.
It highlights the joint dedication and commitment of the Coal sector, towards responsible and environment friendly coal mining by revitalizing landscapes and generating employment opportunities. This marks as a milestone as such certificates have been granted to the Coal Mines for the first time in the Indian coal mining history.
Raksha Mantri & his Singaporean counterpart co-chair 6th India-Singapore Defence Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi Agreed to further step up defence cooperation including industry collaboration in niche domains
Acknowledge long-standing ties based on shared outlook on regional peace, stability & security
Posted On: 22 OCT 2024 4:29PM by PIB Delhi
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Defence of Singapore Dr Ng Eng Hen co-chaired the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi on October 22, 2024. Both Ministers acknowledged the deep and long-standing bilateral defence relations based on shared outlook on regional peace, stability and security.
This meeting assumes significance in the backdrop of India marking a decade of its Act East policy, in which Singapore has played a key role in promoting economic cooperation & cultural ties, and developing strategic connectivity with countries in the region.
Both Ministers expressed satisfaction at the growing defence cooperation between the two countries. There have been regular engagements between the Armed Forces of the two countries in recent years.
As 2025 marks 60 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore, both Ministers agreed to further step up defence cooperation and agreed to achieve new feats. They also agreed to extend bilateral agreement on Joint Military Training Army for the next five years.
Recognising that both nations are natural partners for commencing co-development and co-production of defence equipment, both sides agreed to enhance industry cooperation, including exploring collaboration in niche domains such as automation and Artificial Intelligence. The two Ministers also decided to take forward the cooperation in emerging areas like cyber security.
Shri Rajnath Singh thanked Dr Ng Eng Hen for Singapore’s support as country coordinator for India in ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting – Plus from 2021 to 2024. The Defence Minister of Singapore acknowledged that India is a strategic voice for Asia’s peace and stability. The bilateral relationship was recently elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Singapore.
Prior to the Dialogue, the visiting dignitary was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a Tri-Service Guard of Honour.
Earlier, the Singaporean Defence Minister laid a wreath and paid homage to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial, New Delhi.
Dr Ng Eng Hen is on a visit to India from October 21-23, 2024.
Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today joined President Joe Biden in Concord, New Hampshire at the New Hampshire Technical Institute for an event on their work to lower prescription drug costs for the American people.
Sanders’ remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below and the full event can be watched live here and here:
In America today we spend almost twice as much per person as any other major country on health care – over $13,000 for every man, woman and child.
And one of the reasons for that is the outrageously high cost of prescription drugs in this country.
The truth is that the American people, whether they are Democrats, Republicans or Independents, are sick and tired of paying, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs.
There is no rational reason why Merck should be charging diabetes patients in America $6,900 for Januvia when that same product can be purchased in Canada for $900 and just $200 in France.
Why Johnson & Johnson charges Americans with arthritis $79,000 for Stelara when that same exact product can be purchased for just $16,000 in the United Kingdom.
Why Bristol Myers Squibb charges patients in America $7,100 for Eliquis when that same exact product can be purchased for just $900 in Canada and just $650 in France.
I personally, on two occasions, have led Americans into Canada where we purchased on one occasion a breast cancer drug and on another occasion insulin for one-tenth, one-tenth, the price Americans were paying for the same exact drug.
The result of this absurd reality is that while ten top pharmaceutical companies made over $110 billion in profits last year, and paid their CEOs exorbitant salaries, 1 out of 4 Americans cannot afford the medicine their doctors prescribe.
How crazy is that?
This is unacceptable, and it has got to change.
In America, we must substantially lower the cost of prescription drugs so that our people can afford the medicine they need; so that we can lower hospital costs; so that we can lower insurance costs; so that we can lower out of pocket costs.
In the midst of all of this let me give you some good news and that is that under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris we are making some very significant progress in taking on the greed of the pharmaceutical industry and lowering prescription drug costs in America.
Today, no senior in America is paying over $35 a month for insulin.
Beginning next year, no senior in America will pay over $2,000 a year for prescription drugs.
And Medicare, despite the fierce opposition of pharma, is for the first time in history negotiating with the pharmaceutical industry to lower the price of some of the most expensive drugs in America.
And as a result of these negotiations, guess what?
The price of Januvia in America will be cut by 79%.
The price of Eliquis in America will be cut by 56%.
And the price of Stelara in America will be cut by 66%.
That is real progress. Thank you, President Biden for your courage in being the first President in history to take on the power of the big drug companies and thank you Vice President Harris for your hard work on this issue as well.
I am also proud of the accomplishments the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), which I chair, has made to bring down the cost of prescription drugs.
Earlier this year, the HELP Committee launched an investigation into the outrageously high price of inhalers that 25 million Americans with asthma and 16 million Americans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) need to breathe.
And what we learned is that the American people were paying, in many cases, 10-70 times more for inhalers than the people in Canada and Europe.
Working with the Biden Administration and Lina Khan of the FTC I am proud to tell you that the CEOs of 3 major inhaler manufacturers, agreed to cap the cost of their inhalers at no more than $35.
When we first started this investigation Americans were paying up to $645 for these inhalers. Today, they are only paying $35 for them. That’s progress.
But, despite all that we’ve accomplished, it is not enough. Much more has to be done.
In his State of the Union address, President Biden called on Congress to pass legislation to cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for all Americans at no more than $2,000 a year and to substantially increase the number of drugs that can be negotiated with the pharmaceutical industry. I strongly agree with him.
And let me give you one example of what we have got to be doing in the future.
Earlier this year, President Biden and I called on Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to substantially reduce the price of their blockbuster drugs for diabetes and weight loss.
In the President’s view and in my view, it is unacceptable for Novo Nordisk to charge Americans with diabetes $969 for Ozempic when that same exact drug can be purchased for just $155 in Canada, $122 in Denmark, $71 in France, and just $59 in Germany.
It is also unacceptable for this extremely profitable pharmaceutical company to charge Americans struggling with obesity $1,349 for Wegovy when this same exact drug can be purchased for just $265 in Canada, $186 in Denmark, $137 in Germany, and $92 in the United Kingdom.
As President Biden and I stated in an op-ed:
“If Novo Nordisk and other pharmaceutical companies refuse to substantially lower prescription drug prices in our country and end their greed, we will do everything within our power to end it for them. Novo Nordisk must substantially reduce the price of Ozempic and Wegovy.”
And the good news is that some progress is being made.
In August, Eli Lilly took a modest step forward by reducing the starter price for Zepbound from over $1,000 a month to less than $400 a month.
Last month, the CEO of Novo Nordisk committed to working with Pharmacy Benefit Managers to lower the list price of Ozempic and Wegovy and expand access to these drugs at a hearing my committee held on this issue.
But let’s be clear.
If Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly do not do more to substantially reduce the price of these drugs, I believe the Administration should take bold action to make these drugs more affordable and more accessible.
The outrageously high price of these drugs are forcing hundreds of thousands of Americans to buy cheaper, copycat versions of these drugs that have not been approved as safe and effective by the FDA.
That is unprecedented and, in my view, that is unacceptable.
Generic drug companies have told me that if the Administration exercises its authority to end the monopoly Novo Nordisk has over Ozempic they could sell this same FDA-approved drug for less than $100 in the United States.
And it’s not just the high price of weight loss and diabetes drugs, as important as they are.
In my view, we have to move forward aggressively so that the people in the United States are no longer paying more for the same prescription drugs than our friends in Europe, Canada, or Japan. And if we did that we can cut the price of prescription drugs in America by at least 50%.
Bottom line: The pharmaceutical industry must stop ripping off the American people.
Now, I understand that this fight will not be easy.
The pharmaceutical industry today has over 1,800 well-paid lobbyists on Capitol Hill – including former leaders of the Democratic and Republican parties.
In the last 25 years, they have spent over $8.5 billion on lobbying and over $750 million in campaign contributions.
Their greed has no end.
But, in my view, if Congress stops listening to the needs of the CEOs in the pharmaceutical industry and starts listening to the needs of the American people we can make this happen.
Again. This is not a progressive idea. It’s not a conservative idea. It’s not a Democratic idea or a Republican idea. It’s precisely what the American people want.
Thanks to President Biden and Vice President Harris we have begun to take on the greed of the pharmaceutical industry.
Now, it’s time to finish the job.
Today, Administrator Samantha Power, in Siem Reap, announced new U.S. initiatives to support the health and wellbeing of the Cambodian people.
Administrator Power announced a new five-year program to bolster Cambodia’s fight against tuberculosis (TB), a disease which claims thousands of lives in Cambodia every year. USAID’s Community Mobilization Initiatives to End Tuberculosis 2 (COMMIT 2) program will be implemented by KHANA, the Khmer HIV/AIDS NGO Alliance. USAID has committed $4 million for the first year of the program. Today’s announcement is one of USAID’s largest direct local awards ever to a Cambodian organization. Through this program, USAID will partner with Cambodia to accelerate active case finding by working in and with local communities to improve TB screening and diagnosis, improve digital reporting of TB cases, and increase access to TB preventive therapy.
The Administrator also announced a commitment of over $1 million to advance efforts to end childhood lead poisoning in Cambodia, in partnership with UNICEF and the Royal Government of Cambodia. This commitment will support a first-of-its kind national survey to evaluate the levels of heavy metals like lead and arsenic in children, pregnant women, the environment, and products. Survey results will support the Royal Government of Cambodia in making evidence-based decisions to improve policy, standards, and regulations around heavy metals so that more Cambodians can live healthier, more productive lives. In September 2024, the United States and Cambodia were among the more than 20 countries making commitments to fighting global lead exposure as founding members of the new Partnership for a Lead-Free Future.
Finally, Administrator Power announced $12 million in new funding to support a range of demining activities, including landmine clearance and risk education for local communities. To date, U.S. partners have cleared more than 1.5 million landmines and unexploded ordnances (UXOs) from approximately 230,000 acres of land in Cambodia, and continuing this work will help save lives and create a safer, healthier Cambodia.
Improving health security in Cambodia is an integral part of the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy. Reducing the prevalence of infectious diseases, like TB, and supporting equitable access to healthcare advance our shared interest of enhancing health and safety for our communities. These investments underscore USAID’s commitment to helping Cambodia improve health outcomes, including by ending TB as a health threat by 2030, prevent lead exposure in mothers and children, and strengthen capacity to confront future public health threats.
Connect Kākou Launches “Digital Detectives” Initiative to Map Internet Speeds Across Hawaiʻi
HONOLULU – Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke today announced the launch of Digital Detectives, a Connect Kākou initiative to map internet speeds across Hawaiʻi. By takinga simple 30-second internet speed test, residents can help identify areas most in need of better internet infrastructure, ensuring that federal funding is allocated to where it is most needed.
“We’re excited to launch Digital Detectives, an initiative that allows everyone in Hawaiʻi to make a difference and contribute to digital equity across our state,” saidLieutenant Governor Luke. “By working together, we can create a comprehensive, statewide map of internet speeds that will help to prioritize resources and improve connectivity for underserved areas. Internet access is a necessity for education, healthcare, business, and staying connected — and this initiative will help to ensure that all Hawai‘i communities have access to high-speed internet.
FromOctober 22 to November 4, Hawaiʻi residents are encouraged to visithttp://www.connectkakou.org and complete internet speed tests from a desktop or laptop computer. Every test result will be aggregated to provide a full picture of internet connectivity across the state. This information will be used to create a comprehensive map that will highlight areas that should be prioritized for funding and resources to improve internet access.
Hawaiʻi Department of Education (DOE) and public charter middle schools are encouraging their students to participate in Digital Detectives to learn more about digital equity. Participating public and charter middle school classrooms will be entered to win prizes.
“We know that equitable access to digital tools is fundamental for student success in today’s world. The Digital Detectives initiative aligns with our mission to provide every student with the resources they need to thrive academically, regardless of their location,”DOESuperintendent Keith Hayashi said. “By participating in this effort, our students are not just learning about technology – they are actively contributing to the improvement of their own communities’ digital future. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering students and ensuring all learners have access to the opportunities that high-speed internet provides.”
State Public Charter School Commission Executive Director Ed Noh, Ed.D. stated, “Connect Kākou conveys the importance of working together and supporting one another through this collective responsibility. I appreciate and applaud Lieutenant Governor Luke for involving our keiki through this initiative, empowering them to be true problem solvers to improve digital equity and access across all our communities statewide.”
“The Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation is dedicated to exposing students to diverse learning opportunities. That’s why we’re excited to support Digital Detectives which encourages middle school students to engage with technology in a fun, meaningful way,” saidKen Hiraki, Executive Director for the Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation. “Initiatives like Digital Detectives empower students to make a real impact while inspiring them to become future leaders who can help build a more connected and equitable Hawaiʻi.”
Connect Kākou is a State of Hawai‘i initiative led by Lieutenant Governor Luke, in collaboration with the Hawai‘i Broadband and Digital Equity Office (HBDEO), the University of Hawai‘i, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), and multiple state and county agencies. Connect Kākou is working to ensure people from all walks of life have reliable access to high-speed internet and the tools and knowledge to safely and confidently use the internet. Visithttp://www.connectkakou.org to learn more.
2024-46 NEWS RELEASE – DEPT. OF THE AG PARTNERS WITH DEA AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ON NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY
Posted on Oct 22, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom
DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
KAʻOIHANAO KA LOIO KUHINA
JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR
ANNE LOPEZ
ATTORNEY GENERAL
News Release 2024-46
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL PARTNERS WITH DEA AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ON NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2024
HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of the Attorney General is partnering with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement (DLE), Narcotics Enforcement Division; and local law enforcement agencies to participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
The department encourages everyone to help keep communities safe from the abuse and misuse of prescription drugs by participating in the National Prescription Take Back Initiative on:
Saturday, October 26, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Anyone with expired or unused medications is encouraged to bring them to the drive-thru collection sites located on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and Hawaiʻi islands.
The Take Back events are conducted twice a year and are free and anonymous services to the public – no questions asked. Tablets, capsules, liquids and other forms of medication will be accepted. Everything can be kept in its original container. No labels need to be removed. Vaping devices will also be accepted, but batteries must be removed. New or used syringes will not be accepted.
“The National Take Back Initiative is part of DEA’s ongoing commitment to promote the health and safety of all Hawaiʻi residents,” says DEA Honolulu District Assistant Special Agent in Charge Victor Vazquez. “The results of these semi-annual take back events are substantial with thousands of pounds of unneeded, potentially dangerous medications being collected and safely destroyed.”
“The Department of Law Enforcement wants to encourage the public to turn in unused or unwanted medications at any of the community take back locations. By safely disposing of unused or unwanted medications, through the National take Back Initiative, we never have to worry about those medications being misused,” said DLE Deputy Director Jared Redulla.
“This is a great opportunity to rid unused and expired medications from your home. Prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved by others to abuse. Let’s work together to keep Hawaiʻi safe from prescription drugs entering our land and ocean,” says Valerie Mariano, branch chief, Community and Crime Prevention Branch, Department of the Attorney General.
Medicine should not be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet. The following are reasons why it is important to properly dispose of unwanted and unused medication.
Proper disposal reduces the risk of prescription drugs entering the water supply or potentially harming aquatic life.
Having unused or expired medicine in the home increases the risk of accidental
poisoning. Homes where children or the elderly live are especially vulnerable to
this danger.
Children may mistake medicine for candy.
Medicines may lose their effectiveness after the expiration date.
Dave Day Special Assistant to the Attorney General 808-586-1284 Email:[email protected] Web:http://ag.hawaii.gov
Toni Schwartz Public Information Officer Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General Office: 808-586-1252 Cell: 808-379-9249 Email: [email protected] Web:http://ag.hawaii.gov