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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Canada: HMCS Ottawa departs for the Indo-Pacific region on Operations HORIZON and NEON

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    October 16, 2024 – Esquimalt, B.C. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    Today, the crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa bid farewell to their families and loved ones at a departure ceremony held at His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard Esquimalt, British Columbia.

    HMCS Ottawa will sail across the Pacific Ocean while deployed on Operations HORIZON and NEON. Operation HORIZON is Canada’s forward-presence mission to the Indo-Pacific region to promote peace, stability, and the rules-based international order. Operation NEON is Canada’s contribution to a coordinated multinational effort to support the implementation of United Nations sanctions imposed against North Korea.

    During this deployment HMCS Ottawa will maintain Canada’s naval presence in the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating the nation’s contribution to regional peace and stability, and commitment to international security. The crew of HMCS Ottawa will showcase the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) operational capabilities while working alongside international allies and partner navies during military training exercises; highlighting Canada’s commitment to international collaboration and fostering military and diplomatic partnerships.

    Quotes

    “The departure of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa, the second ship from the West Coast to deploy on Operation HORIZON this year, represents the culmination of thousands of hours of collective effort and dedication from the ship’s company and supporting staff ashore. This deployment to the Indo-Pacific region will see the ship and its crew sail with our allies and partners in the region and take on critical tasks and missions. I know that they are up to the challenge. Fair winds and following seas to HMCS Ottawa, I wish you all a safe and successful mission.”

    Rear-Admiral Christopher Robinson, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific

    “For those serving onboard, today’s departure is months in the making. Ottawa’s crew has worked hard to get our ship ready for Operations HORIZON and NEON where we will represent Canada and the Royal Canadian Navy well throughout our mission across the Indo-Pacific. This deployment would not be possible without the incredible support of our families, who serve with us, and without them we would not have been able to get to this moment.”

    Commander Adriano Lozer, Commanding Officer HMCS Ottawa

    Quick facts

    • As part of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, the RCN is committed to working alongside regional allies and partners to promote a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

    • The series of UN sanctions, adopted between 2006 and 2017, aim to pressure North Korea to abandon its weapons of mass destruction programs and respond to North Korean nuclear weapon tests and ballistic missile launches.

    • HMCS Ottawa, a Halifax-class Canadian Patrol Frigate, has a crew of approximately 240 members comprised of RCN sailors and Royal Canadian Air Force aviators.

    • One CH-148 Cyclone helicopter detachment is embarked onboard HMCS Ottawa. This helicopter detachment specializes in anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and search and rescue operations.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs
    Phone: 250-363-5789 or 250-888-6775
    Email: ESQPACIFICNAVYPUBLICAFFAIRS@forces.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Japan boosts African Development Fund with JPY 51.67 billion concessional loan

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    The African Development Bank Group and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a landmark 51.67 billion Japanese yen (US$421 million) concessional donor loan (CDL) agreement towards the African Development Fund.

    The loan, pledged by the Japanese government at the 16th general replenishment of the resources of the African Development Fund in December 2022, will support much-needed development in Africa’s least developed and fragile countries. The country is a top donor to the African Development Fund, having contributed the largest loans to the 14th, 15th and 16th replenishments of the Fund.

    Present at the signing ceremony on Tuesday 15 October, Deputy Vice Minister Daiho Fujii of the Finance Ministry expressed optimism that Japan’s concessional donor loan, together with grant contributions, would support African countries to address various challenges relating to climate change, lack of infrastructure, fragility, regional integration, private sector development, and debt management and transparency.

    “Through fruitful discussions, we reaffirmed that the African Development Fund has been playing a significant role in supporting low-income countries in Africa through its concessional loans and grants. We commit to working together toward a successful ADF-17 replenishment discussion next year,” Fujii said.

    Japan and other donor countries met in Cotonou last week to review the progress made against operational priorities and policy commitments at the midpoint of the ADF-16 period that ran from 2023 to 2025. Fujii congratulated the African Development Bank Group on the successful mid-term review of the 16th cycle of ADF.

    African Development Bank Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who is marking his fifth visit to the Asian nation, commended Japan’s government for its unwavering support.  He expressed the Bank Group’s appreciation for Japan’s broader partnership, particularly through JICA’s Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa initiative – an innovative multi-component framework for resource mobilisation and development.

    Adesina said:  “We wouldn’t have had a successful ADF-16 replenishment without Japan’s continued support for concessional donor lending.  It is important to sign these agreements, but it is the lives we touch that matter.  We deliver what we promise. We keep our word”.

    He highlighted the significant impact of projects completed under the African Development Fund. “This year alone, 500,000 people have been connected to electricity, one million provided with water and sanitation, 2.5 million to improved transport, and 2.7 million to health services.”

    In her speech, JICA Executive Senior Vice President Katsura Miyazaki described the signing ceremony as symbolic.

    She said: “African countries are facing multiple crises. Rising energy and food prices, supply chain disruptions, and worsening debt sustainability are having a serious impact on African countries. The African Development Fund is critical to addressing these challenges.

    Japan’s journey with the African Development Fund

    The African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional lending window of the Bank Group was established in 1972 and became operational in 1974.

    Japan joined the Fund in June 1973 and has contributed to all its replenishments, significantly increasing its contributions over time.

    Over the past 50 years, the ADF has played a pivotal role in providing concessional resources and knowledge services to low-income African countries, consistently demonstrating clear value for money. The ADF delivers transformative ideas and catalytic financing to these countries, including those in fragile situations. As a major source of financing, the ADF’s operations are efficient and deliver a strong development impact, cementing its reputation as a trusted and strategic partner for its stakeholders.

    Japan’s critical role in supporting the ADF was underscored by its extension of the largest concessional donor loan contributions to both ADF-15 and ADF-16, as well as the largest bridge loan provided to ADF-14. The Mid-Term Review (MTR) of ADF-16, successfully concluded in Cotonou in October 2024, highlighted several key achievements.

    Click here for photos.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CBDT is actively implementing special Campaign 4.0

    Source: Government of India (2)

    CBDT is actively implementing special Campaign 4.0

    Cleanliness campaigns carried out at about 700 sites, space of about 1,00,000 sq. ft freed up

    Special initiatives like Waste to Wealth, Indoor Plantation, health camps for Safai Mitras, freeing up space for gymnasium among others taken up

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 6:51PM by PIB Delhi

    The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), in collaboration with the field units of the Income Tax Department, is actively implementing Special Campaign 4.0. This initiative aims at maintaining clean workplaces and surroundings, disposing of scrap, freeing up office spaces, reducing the backlog of public grievances, etc.

    The Special Campaign 4.0 began with a preparatory phase from September 15 to September 30, 2024, during which targets for the campaign’s implementation were established. The implementation phase started on October 2, 2024, and will run until October 31, 2024. Throughout this phase, the CBDT is closely tracking daily progress to meet the campaign’s goals. As part of the monitoring efforts, the Nodal Officer from CBDT has been in regular contact with Nodal Officers from various regions across India.

    The first 15 days of the Special Campaign 4.0 has seen enthusiastic participation from the officers and officials of the Department. During this period, various activities undertaken in offices spread across India have resulted in the following :

    • Cleanliness campaigns carried out at about 700 sites.
    • Weeding out of about 1,00,000 redundant files.
    • Disposal of scrap material resulting in earning revenue of more than Rs. 9,80,000/-
    • Freeing up space of about 1,00,000 sq. ft.
    • Resolution of more than 16,000 public grievances during this period.

     

    Further, Progress of the campaign is being monitored on a daily basis and data is uploaded on the SCPDM portal hosted by DARPG.

                                      BEFORE

                                 AFTER

    Inspection of the records rooms in the Income Tax Department by the Nodal Officer, CBDT

     

    CBDT is also using social media to conduct outreach with public and highlight its efforts under the Swachhata campaigns. More than 300 Tweets have been posted/reposted on X (Formerly known as Twitter) by the official social media handles of the Income Tax Department, regional handles of Principal Chief Commissioner regions and the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT), to promote awareness for Swachhata campaigns. The campaign has also been amplified on other social media platforms of the Department.

    Some of the best practices regarding the same-

     

    1. Waste to Wealth Initiative –

    Art work created by recycling of scrap metals and it depicts an aquarium. This art piece is installed for public display at Aayakar Bhawan Dakshin, Kolkata

     

    Waste to Wealth – Art work created by recycling of scrap metals and it depicts an aquarium. This art piece is installed for public display at Aayakar Bhawan Dakshin, Kolkata

     

    1. Indoor plantation carried out by National Faceless Assessment Center (NaFAC) to manage limited availability of open spaces for plantation.

     

     

    1. Shredding of over 8000 kg of records and files by Director General of Income Tax (Inv.), Delhi and conversion of the same to recycled products

     

              

     

    1. Conversion of a hall full of obsolete files into an office gymnasium by Pr. CCIT, North East Region

    A review of the progress of Special Campaign 4.0 was also carried out by Sh. V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG on 11.10.2024 in the office of Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), Delhi, wherein he appreciated some initiatives such as reduced use of paper by strict implementation of double side printing; use of refilled cartridges; recycling of shredded records and files into stationery; reuse of digital devices by reformatting, etc. and also suggested dissemination of these best practices across all offices of the Income Tax Department.

     

    The CBDT and its field offices actively participated in the “Swachhta Hi Seva” (SHS) campaign in 2024. Key initiatives included the Swachhata Pledge, a nationwide tree plantation drive, medical camps for Safai Mitras, and cultural activities like nukkad nataks to promote cleanliness.

     

    Ek Ped Maa ke Naam plantation drive led by Sh. Ravi Agrawal, Chairman CBDT

     

    Clean-up of public places

    1. On Gandhi Jayanti, the Lok Nayak Setu underpass, once neglected and filled with debris, was transformed through the efforts of the Pr. CCIT Delhi’s office under the leadership of Sh. Ravi Agrawal, Chairman, CBDT. Now clean and accessible, it provides a safe passage for pedestrians, especially children on their way to school.

     

     

    1. Cleanliness Campaign in Mumbai led by Sh. Prabodh Seth, Member (Admin.), CBDT

     

    CBDT has entered the 3rd week of special campaign 4.0 and is aiming to excel in various areas while innovating and adopting best practices. The momentum of initial phase will continue to be amplified further.

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    NB/KMN

    (Release ID: 2065528) Visitor Counter : 61

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special Campaign 4.0 Reaches Midway: Ministry Achieves 100% Cleanliness Targets at 14,559 Sites, Makes Significant Progress in Disposal of Pending Matters

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Special Campaign 4.0 Reaches Midway: Ministry Achieves 100% Cleanliness Targets at 14,559 Sites, Makes Significant Progress in Disposal of Pending Matters

    MoRT&H is organizing Special Campaign 4.0 for disposal of Pending Matters and Cleanliness from 2nd to 31st October, 2024

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 6:58PM by PIB Delhi

    Special Campaign 4.0 for disposal of pending matters and cleanliness has reached midway. Campaign is being carried out by MoRTH and its agencies vigorously to achieve the identified targets under various parameters during the Campaign period. Ministry has achieved 100% targets in cleanliness activities, at 14559 sites.  The sites include offices, construction camps/sites, NH stretches, Toll Plazas, Wayside amenities, Road side Dhabas, Bust Stops etc.  41% of pending MP references (583), 85% of pending public grievances (986), 56% of Public Grievance Appeals (211) have been disposed of so far.

    Nodal Officer of the Campaign in the MoRTH is reviewing progress of the Campaign regularly and personally taking up the matter with the concerned Senior Officers for disposal of pending references.

    In order to have larger outreach, the various activities of the Campaign have also been disseminated through various Social Media Platforms such as X (Twitter), Instagram & Facebook.

    *****

    NKK/GS/AK

     

     

    (Release ID: 2065530) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Leaders from 120 Member Countries to attend the Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Leaders from 120 Member Countries to attend the Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly in New Delhi  

    ISA has evolved into a key platform for global solar cooperation, now encompassing 120 Member & Signatory Countries : Union Minister Pralhad Joshi

    Seventh Session of ISA will held in New Delhi from from 3rd to 6th November 2024

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 7:01PM by PIB Delhi

    The curtain raiser for the Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly was hosted today in New Delhi. Representatives from 60 countries participated in the event. 

    The assembly will be presided over by Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy. The Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly is set to be a truly global event. Ministers, missions, and delegates from 120 Member and Signatory Countries, along with partner organisations and stakeholders, will come together to focus on initiatives to improve energy access, security, and transition.

    Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy & President of the ISA Assembly, addressed the august gathering, stating, “ISA has evolved into a key platform for global solar cooperation, now encompassing 120 Member & Signatory Countries. This growing commitment demonstrates solar energy’s significant role in addressing our shared energy access challenges and the adverse effects of climate change. The progress made by ISA’s Member Countries in adopting solar energy is remarkable. Solar energy, available year-round and in abundance in some of our Member Countries, holds the potential to be the game-changer in the theatre of global climate action. Its attributes of being clean, reliable, free and easily accessible to all make it central to achieving universal energy access. Our efforts through the ISA focus on expanding solar infrastructure, creating green jobs, supporting livelihoods, and mitigating climate impacts.”

     

     

    Under the presidency of the Republic of India and co-presidency of the Republic of France, the seventh session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India, from 03 November to 06 November 2024. Ministers, mission heads, and senior government officials from 120 Member and Signatory Countries, prospective countries, partner organisations, the private sector, and key stakeholders will participate.

     

    Shri Ajay Yadav, Joint Secretary, MNRE, Government of India, in his opening remarks, noted, “Global solar deployment presents its challenges: investments, infrastructure, and indigenisation. Countering these challenges demands targeted efforts to support the sector’s expansion. Further highlighting ISA’s role and substantial contributions, he said, “To address these challenges through various programmes, initiatives, and collaborations with governments, private enterprises, and international organisations and by working with its Member Countries, ISA creates opportunities to diversify global supply chains and boost solar energy demand, contributing to manufacturing capacity growth.” Elaborating on the focused efforts, he added, “We proudly count 120 among our Member & Signatory Countries, with 102 ratifying the ISA Framework Agreement, showcasing our growing global influence. With the firm support of Member Countries, ISA has successfully launched initiatives to accelerate solar adoption, foster innovation, and enhance capacity-building efforts.”

    Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, said, “The International Solar Alliance stands at the forefront of global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 7 & 13 on affordable and clean energy and climate action respectively. The International Solar Alliance is a force for change. It harmonises and aggregates demand for solar finance, technologies, innovation, research and development, and capacity building. This initiative is more than just a coalition; it is a revolutionary movement reshaping our energy landscape and our planet’s future. Adding further, he said, “As we approach the mark to last five years to realise the goals defined by the 2030 Agenda, this session of the ISA Assembly is an important nudge to accelerate our actions and raise our ambitions. All stakeholders must make this decade count in favour of climate action. Our work at the ISA directly supports the implementation of the Paris Agreement and contributes to the broader UN framework for sustainable development. ISA is working with Member Countries to help shape conducive policies to bring in investments in solar energy, a sustainable pipeline of solar-powered projects, and help build skills to sustain solar projects in the long term.”

    At this assembly, the fulcrum of the discussions will be the means and modes that will be adopted to accelerate solar deployment across Member Countries, especially in regions with limited energy access.  Additionally, updates on the following ISA’s flagship initiatives for entrepreneurs, skill enhancement and capacity building, mobilising finance, and advocacy for solar as energy as a choice will be presented:

    • SolarX Startup Challenge, launched by ISA in collaboration with Invest India in 2022, at COP27 in Egypt, the challenge aims to foster entrepreneurship by supporting scalable and replicable solar energy business models in ISA’s Member Countries.
    • The STAR-C initiative, launched in 2022 by ISA, UNIDO, and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, France, aims to build capacity and align skills with national training needs. It enhances quality infrastructure and standards for photovoltaic and solar thermal products to drive economic growth and job creation.
    • Global Solar Facility: launched in 2022, enhances solar investments in underserved regions, particularly Africa, using tools like the Solar Payment Guarantee Fund and Solar Insurance Fund.
    • The First International Solar Festival, launched in September 2024, brought together corporates, academia, youth, community leaders, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas, promoting creativity and international cooperation for a future driven by solar energy.

     

    The Assembly’s seventh session will be followed by a day-long series of sessions styled as a ‘High-Level Conference on New Technologies for Clean Energy Transition’ on 5 November 2024 hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, the Government of India, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Solar Energy Society. The conference’s third edition will be attended by the ministerial delegations of the ISA Member Countries, policymakers, subject matter experts, and industry leaders. Through its deliberations, the Conference aims to inspire real-world change and make significant strides toward achieving global climate goals by fostering collaboration, sparking innovation, and sharing knowledge by focusing on promoting solar energy to cut carbon emissions, find ways to expand energy access and boost economic growth. The Conference will also witness the release of the third edition of ISA’s World Solar Reports on Technology, Finance, and Markets.

    The Assembly proceedings will conclude on 6 November 2024 with a visit to a farm site on the outskirts of New Delhi showcasing the practical implementation of agrivoltaic systems. The site in Najafgarh is maintained by the India Agrivoltaics Alliance, an initiative of the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), along with like-minded organisations dedicated to advancing the concept of agrivoltaics in India, which involves the simultaneous use of land for both agriculture and solar energy generation.

    ABOUT THE ISA ASSEMBLY

    The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of ISA, representing each Member Country. This body makes decisions concerning the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement and coordinated actions to be taken to achieve its objective. The Assembly meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat. It assesses the aggregate effect of the programmes and other activities in terms of deployment of solar energy, performance, reliability, cost and scale of finance. 120 countries are signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement, of which 102 countries have submitted the necessary instruments of ratification to become full members of the ISA. The Republic of India holds the office of the President of the ISA Assembly, with the Government of the French Republic as the co-president.

    The Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly will deliberate on initiatives of ISA that impact energy access, security, and transitions with a focus on:

    • Empowering Member Countries to adopt solar energy as the energy source of choice
    • Make energy access universal by supporting solar entrepreneurs to scale up local solutions
    • Mobilise finance to speed up solar deployment

    ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE

    The International Solar Alliance is an international organisation with 120 Member & Signatory Countries. It works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable way to transition to a carbon-neutral future.

    ISA’s mission is to unlock US$ 1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030 while reducing the cost of the technology and its financing. It promotes the use of solar energy in the agriculture, health, transport and power generation sectors. ISA Member Countries are driving change by enacting policies and regulations, sharing best practices, agreeing on common standards, and mobilising investments. Through this work, ISA has identified and designed and tested new business models for solar projects; supported governments to make their energy legislation and policies solar-friendly through Ease of Doing Solar analytics and advisory; pooled demand for solar technology from different countries, and drove down costs; improved access to finance by reducing the risks and making the sector more attractive to private investment; increased access to solar training, data and insights for solar engineers and energy policymakers.

    ISA was formed at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris in 2015 and is partnering with multilateral development banks (MDBs), development financial institutions (DFIs), private and public sector organisations, civil society, and other international institutions to deploy cost-effective and transformational energy solutions powered by the sun, especially in the least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

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    Navin Sreejith

     

    (Release ID: 2065532) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Fisheries Undertakes Activities as part of Special Campaign 4.0

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Department of Fisheries Undertakes Activities as part of Special Campaign 4.0

    Efforts Focused on Cleanliness and Timely Disposal of Public Grievances

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 7:09PM by PIB Delhi

    New Delhi, 16th October 2024 : The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, is actively participating in Special Campaign 4.0, initiated by DARPG, Government of India to promote cleanliness, efficiency and the timely disposal of public grievances and pending references. The campaign, being held from 2nd October to 31st October 2024, focuses on key areas such as cleanliness drives, office space management and  swift resolution of VIP references.

    As part of the Special Campaign 4.0, intensive cleanliness campaigns are being organized across all field offices and O/o Department of Fisheries, located in Krishi Bhawan and Chanderlok Building in New Delhi. These initiatives focus on decluttering workspaces, ensuring hygienic conditions and creating a productive work environment. The cleanliness drive includes the removal of obsolete files, unused furniture, and electronic waste, contributing to better utilization of office space. A record number of 2447 physical files were reviewed and out of which 1383 have been weeded out.  Around 250 efiles have been reviewed and 58 files have been closed. A committee has been formed at the Department level to dispose off the identified  scrap materials .

    Special focus is being given on resolving all pending public grievances related to Department of Fisheries. The Department is also expediting the disposal of VIP references and pending Parliamentary Assurances. Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary and Ms.Neetu Prasad, Joint Secretary are overseeing the Campaign progress with regular reviews and follow-ups to ensure full compliance with the campaign’s objectives.

    To further promote the goals of Special Campaign 4.0, the Department has been conducting internal awareness programs for its staff. With the proactive participation of all employees, it aims to  successfully achieve the campaign’s objective by 31st October 2024.

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    AA

    (Release ID: 2065538) Visitor Counter : 76

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice President’s address at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub in Mawdiangdiang (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 7:10PM by PIB Delhi

    Very good afternoon to all of you. 

    After landing in Meghalaya my spirits are high. I am having a heavenly feeling, you all are blessed to be living here. 

    Let me assure you all, the Honourable Governor pointed out, the demographic composition of the state is very soothing wholesome and is a perfect recipe for success, the teenage youth, the mid-level youth, the mature youth.

    What I saw here and much of it is already in progress, I can visualise that the days of this state are for the better and role model for other similar states. My congratulations to you and your team for being very thoughtful, futuristic and taking into consideration our contemporaneous needs and requirements.

    It was a delightful moment for the entire country when we had Madam Droupadi Murmu as our President, the first tribal woman to occupy such a high office. I must share my joy that we have amongst us a bureaucrat, Idashisha Nongrang, the first woman DGP of Meghalaya and the first tribal lady from Meghalaya to be DGP. These twin credentials define changing profile of India’s growth trajectory. As Chairman, Rajya Sabha I was in the chair when reservation was made for one-third women to be in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures.

    Distinguished bureaucrats and most importantly, boys and girls at the outset let me extend an invitation to two categories. I will request the Honourable Chief Minister that in batches I would invite students to be my guests at new building of Parliament.

    This is an ongoing exercise and I get energised, enthused, motivated, and inspired when I interact with them in Rajya Sabha Secretariat. I can assure you, you will have a lifetime experience to see the new building of Parliament. In the face of COVID, the building came into being in less than 30 months with old infrastructure. Depicting our civilisational depth of 5,000 years and I am sure the batches will start coming from November. I will recruit an officer to coordinate with the Office of the Chief Secretary to make things smooth. 

    I also take the opportunity and that I have done with some other states in the Northeast to invite their legislators to be my guests and I am sure here also, the Honourable Chief Minister, Leader of the House, and keeping in mind that his father was a very illustrious speaker of the Lok Sabha, he himself has been in that theatre so has been the Honourable Governor.  A visit by legislators to the Indian Parliament will make all the difference. It will add value to their work pattern. 

    The subject of skilling is indeed of contemporary relevance and in that context it was my delightful moment to be associated with two significant programmes and presence for the third one. Laying the foundation stone for the Meghalaya Skill and Innovation Hub is not a small step. It will bring about big change. I am sure it will come into being functionally quite soon, unfolding of the infrastructure reveals that its size is going to be gigantic and will attract attention beyond the state but human resource involvement would also give a cutting edge. 

    I would particularly request the Honourable Minister for Skilling Government of India, Shri Jayant Chaudhary to have deliberations with the Honourable Chief Minister and the team. He is a dynamic minister with independent charge and has already revealed his mind by two very important articles. So, the kind of passion I saw in the Chief Minister, the mission mode in which he reflected, the execution for which he is known, I am sure this is going to be a real boon to the youth because these are the times where skilling is no longer a quality, it is our need, it is our daily need. 

    It was equally delightful to launch CM Business Catalyst: Student B-Plan challenge. That was amazing. I was a student of physics not of chemistry but I learned over the years that a catalyst is something very important. You have to catalyse the change, you have to bring about the change you believe in. Someone has to take that step and that step was taken by visionary Prime Minister Narendra Modi ten years back. No one is more informed than I am about the situation of the country in 1989 when I was a member of parliament and a minister.

    How shaky weaver on economy, how fragile was our foreign exchange balance and what was mood of the nation. Prime Minister, thoughtfully by visionary steps has uplifted the mood of the nation to one of hope and possibility. An ecosystem is in place now where every young boy and girl can look for a larger basket of opportunities. Must beyond, just getting into government service. The innovation which is our obvious forte, and skilling for which we have to be a global source centre. Now the programme has taken a structured method but even without it, our health workers have contributed so massively outside the country. Particularly our girls, they have earned laurels for the entire country.

    When I went to the Middle East and when I got accolades and what has come in several countries of the Middle East that infrastructure they stand out in the world for that, the underline backdrop of human resource is Indian genius, Indian skilled human resource.

    When Prime Minister Modi could get the entire world on the same page, with the United Nations declaring in the shortest time with the largest support of nations ‘International Yoga Day.’ The Prime Minister made a statement that we will have yoga instructors in every part of the globe. Yoga has become a science, yoga has become an industry, yoga has been associated with fitness and yoga has been associated with our civilisation depth. Because the greatest knowledge platform for health the Honourable Minister is aware of it, our Vedas ‘Atharvaveda’ you will find it.

    Boys and girls, this day indeed is a unique day and this makes my maiden visit to the state of Meghalaya very very special. It shall ever be etched in my memory. Honourable Chief Minister has been very kind, he has already extended invitation for a second visit. I remember when as president of the bar, I invited one of the persons, “Are you free for dinner today?” I was president of the bar and the great lawyer, who is no more, Ram Jethmalani, he said, “Think for a second time, Mr. Dhankhar.” I was young. I had the good fortune to be a member of parliament alongside him. He said, “I am in the habit of accepting good invitations for dinner.” But they say in the United States, there is nothing like a free lunch so, I accept the invitation with two caveats. I will entertain at least one group of students  boys and girls, and one group of legislators before I visit state of Meghalaya and this should happen in 2024. 

    Skill development has to be understood. It is not something we are discovering or innovating. We would need a plumber, we would need an electrician, we would need a driver, we would need a carpenter, we will need someone who can deal with our computer. We will need them, they’re already there. Skill means it gets the best out of you, skill is optimal exploitation of the talent of a person in that specified field and that gives the human resource a qualitative cutting edge. 

    Focus on this aspect by the Prime Minister has been laboured on and has consistently reflected on this and a big change has come.

    One, there’s a dedicated ministry. 

    Two, there is an allocation of 60,000 crores over a period of five years, where five lakh youth will be given such kind of internship. 

    Now, when we think of it, we have to get it closer to the requirement. Villages and semi-urban towns must be hub of skill centres of a kind, you can have them graded for some, you need a higher level of urbanisation because of human resource requirements. But this will be a great game changer and this skill for the state of Meghalaya can bring about wonders, incremental growth in your trajectory, a big economic upsurge related to tourism, for instance. Nature has bountifully gifted you. So soothing, this whole is air-conditioned by nature. Just imagine, elsewhere we have a tough time.

    So tourism by itself is sustaining the economy of several countries. You have to exploit it fully by having very talented skilled people in the shape of human resources. Every tourist carries memorable moments of professionalism, excellence because the rest of the things nature has given you. The engine of your economy can be driven singularly and on all cylinders by tourism. I was happy to note when I was interacting with the Honourable Chief Minister that he has a plan. The plan is in execution but these days, while I advise every young boy and girl to be patient, I want the 15% category to which the Chief Minister belongs to be impatient. To be functional 24×7 because if we shape their future, if we shape their career, if we keep them away from stress and tension, if we keep them away from the fear of failure, we will be contributing hugely to the growth of the nation and therefore, this has to be done.

    Skilling by itself is capacity building, I have seen for myself, we don’t take the first step, we fear it, we fear it thinking it is difficult. Let me tell you, there is no step which our youth cannot take. All are equal, You must be guided by your attitude and aptitude. Therein, if you get an idea in your mind, please don’t make your mind a parking place, your mind is meant to be a crucible of innovation. Try it, don’t fear failure because failures are just not there. 

    There are people who will always say the glass is half empty, don’t listen to them. Listen to those who say the glass is half full. Chandrayaan-2, I witnessed as the governor state of West Bengal, after midnight around 2 AM, Chandrayaan-2 was very close to the lunar surface but did not reach. Some took it as a failure. Chandrayaan-3 has demonstrated the success of Chandrayaan-3 giving Bharat the status of being the only country in the world to have landed its spacecraft at that part of the moon. It was majorly because of Chandrayaan-2.

    Skilling is fine, growth of the economy is fine but there has to be another spirit and the spirit of nationalism. North-East is a very important part of the country culturally, ethnically, historically and economically. In the 90s, a great step was taken ‘Look East’ but Prime Minister Modi gave it a cutting edge. He frog-leaped into larger space by indicating ‘Look East act East’ and that act East has resulted in communication getting exponential connectivity being there, interaction taking place, airports number being doubled, and most of it being in the pipeline also. It’s a great place but challenging in several ways also when it comes to infrastructure development. 

    One thing is for sure North-East is on the radar of the nation’s development. North-East is a significant contributor to India’s unity economic progress, cultural essence and it is because of this policy of the present government that when I attended ASEAN for the first time as Vice President, there was a keen interest in several countries of that region and it was fructifying. When I talked about the impact we are having, I can tell you things are in the right frame but some of us out of ignorance or being ill-informed do not appreciate what a nation is. 

    A nation is not divisible as to who has how many roads, how many dams, how many airports. We are one whole, this is our identity. It’s an identity that has survived in spite of the nation having been assaulted from outside on a number of occasions in the last several hundred years. Therefore, boys and girls, the mantle is on you. The onus is on you. Be informed. 

    Thanks to technological advancement, thanks to disruptive technologies, everyone now has a right of expression. An expression which earlier was captive of newspapers, TV channels expression otherwise could not find a way in the public domain. Suddenly we find we can ourselves be the epicentre of expression but can we afford to be loose cannons, ignoring our basic commitment to our nation? Can we allow on public platforms free fall of information that has no factual foundation? Let me come to the state of the nation today. The entire world is in admiration of Bharat, its economy, its prosperity, its innovation, its human resource, its creativity.

    They can’t believe that a nation of 1.4 billion people has internet connectivity virtually in every village, electricity in every house. The day is not far when every house will have tap water. These are big things but these big-ticket accomplishments are a ground reality. Therefore, boys and girls, you are much luckier than us. You are really lucky to be living in a land that is known as Bharat. Which other country can rival in our cultural wealth? No other country. Which country can claim to be a repository of knowledge, wisdom as our Bharat? 

    I therefore beseech our young friends that when we are destined to be a developed nation in 2047, you are the most vital contributors. You are the most significant stakeholders, you are drivers of that engine and I have no doubt this engine will not fail. 

    Look around, if there is heaven,it is in india. If there is heavenly spirit, it is in Meghalaya. Boys and girls, I am leaving this place with full confidence, with certainty that Bharat that is on the rise at the moment and the rise is unstoppable. This rise no one can impede, I am optimistic because I see your potential. I can read your intent, I know you will exploit all your energy to make this nation great. Make yourself a worthy citizen and make your families and teachers ever proud. I am indeed privileged to be part of this unique program.

    Thank you so much.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 7th Meeting of National Commission for Minorities for the year 2024-25

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 7:15PM by PIB Delhi

    The 7th Meeting of the National Commission for Minorities for the year 2024-25 was held on 16.10.2024 under the Chairmanship of Sh. Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman. Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, and other members of the National Commission for Minorities were present. The Commission considered the Tour Reports of the Chairman and each of the Members and directed actions on the Recommendations after deliberations.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Celebrating World Food Day 2024 with Ayurveda Aahar for a Healthy and Sustainable Future

    Source: Government of India

    Celebrating World Food Day 2024 with Ayurveda Aahar for a Healthy and Sustainable Future

    Ayurveda Aahar helps maintaining a balanced body and mind: Shri Pratap Rao Jhadhav

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 7:35PM by PIB Delhi

    On October 16th, 2024, as the world marks World Food Day with the theme “Right to Food for a Better Life and Future,” the Ministry of Ayush is dedicated to supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG-2), aiming to eradicate hunger and enhance food security. The Ministry of Ayush is making all efforts in promoting a healthier, disease-free and sustainable world through the power of Ayurveda Aahar.

    Marking the significance of World Food Day, the Union Minister of State for Ayush (I/C) Shri Pratap Rao Jhadhav said, “On World Food Day, let’s remember that Ayurveda’s approach to food goes beyond mere sustenance – it aims to nourish the body, bring peace to the mind, and satisfy the soul, reconnecting us to our roots and guiding us to live in harmony with nature. Let us acknowledge the significance of Ayurveda Aahar, which sees food as more than just a source of energy, but as a crucial element in maintaining a balanced body and mind. This day serves as a reminder of how a proper diet can impact not only personal health but also global food security and sustainable development, in alignment with Ayurvedic principles.”

    Ayurveda provides cost-effective, sustainable and nutritious dietary solutions to combat the malnutrition crisis, as well as sustainability of food issue, affecting many regions globally. According to Ayurvedic principles – food is best medicine, thereby advising the consumers to partake right food in right manner, and nutritious enough to have a healthy life. While underlining the developments around Ayurveda Aahar, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush informed, “The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has notified Ayurveda Aahar regulations through a Gazette notification in 2021. Following this development, we have observed renewed interest from diverse stakeholder groups, including the industry, in the concept of Ayurveda Aahar and this is revolutionizing the sector.” 

    The Indian Thali has garnered global attention for its significant impact on nutrition and sustainability, as recognized by the WWF Living Planet Report. This traditional plant-based diet, centered on grains, pulses, lentils, and vegetables, has credited with reducing natural resource usage and greenhouse gas emissions compared to animal-based diets. According to the report, if the world adopts India’s consumption patterns, only 0.84 of an earth will be in need by 2050 to sustain global food production.

    Elaborating on the strength and potential of Ayurveda Aahar, Professor National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) Jaipur, Anupam Srivastava said, “Ministry of Ayush’s innovative approach towards the concept of Ayurveda Aahar, is perfectly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal-2 (SDG-2) that concerns hunger, food security, nutrition, and sustainability.”

    Based on this principle, the Ministry of Ayush has introduced the “Ayush Dietary Advisory for Kuposhan Mukt Bharat” to enhance nutritional outcomes, especially for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. In partnership with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, is taking significant strides toward realizing a Nourished India by endorsing an Ayush-based diet and lifestyle. The Ayush Dietary Advisory seeks to enhance the nutritional well-being of at-risk populations by integrating Ayurvedic dietary principles into daily meals, presenting a distinctive and efficient approach to malnutrition. This aligns with the national mission to eradicate malnutrition and promote the health of future generations.

    The Ministry of Ayush highlights how blending traditional wisdom with modern science can provide effective solutions for tackling global hunger and improving health outcomes for everyone through continuous efforts.

    As we celebrate World Food Day 2024, the Ministry of Ayush reaffirms its commitment to promoting a disease-free world through the principles of Ayurveda Aahar, emphasizing natural nutrition, prevention, and wellness. By adopting Ayush dietary practices, we can move towards a world where food is a powerful tool for health and longevity. Through collaborative efforts within India and internationally, the Ministry of Ayush continues to advance its mission of improving nutritional outcomes, and creating a brighter, healthier future for all.

    This acknowledgment positions India as a leader in sustainable food practices, demonstrating how local traditions can address environmental challenges while promoting overall health.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: First-ever International conference – Advancements of Research & Global Opportunities for Holistic Ayurveda – AROHA-2024 to start tomorrow in Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 7:36PM by PIB Delhi

    All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi is organising its first-ever International conference – Advancements of Research & Global Opportunities for Holistic Ayurveda – AROHA-2024 starting tomorrow from Thursday 17th October to 19th October 2024. This distinguished event will feature in-person and virtual participation, offering an unparalleled opportunity for participants. The discourse will be centered on the theme ” Advancements in Research and Global Opportunities for Holistic Ayurveda” in this global event.

    The event will be inaugurated by Dr. Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, Hon’ble Chief Justice of India. He will be joined by esteemed guests, including Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Ayush and Health & Family Welfare; Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush; and Dr. Shyama Kuruvilla, Director (ad interim) of the Global Traditional Medicine Centre, WHO, Jamnagar, Gujarat. Additionally, Lt. Gen. Madhuri Kanitkar, Vice Chancellor, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS); Padma Bhushan Prof. Shiv Kumar Sarin, Director, ILBS; and Dr. Devendra Triguna will also grace the event.

    “AROHA-2024 will align with AIIA’s vision of positioning Ayurveda as a key pillar of global health and wellness. The conference will bring together scholars, industry leaders, and Ayurveda experts from Japan, Colombia, Australia, Germany, Sri Lanka, and Argentina will participate to explore the integration of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern scientific advancements.” AIIA director Prof. (Dr.) Tanuja Nesari said.

    The conference agenda covers a wide range of topics, including Ayurveda, ethnomedicine, quality control, standardization, diagnosis, drug delivery, evidence-based understanding, and globalization. Experienced experts will share practical and  theoretical knowledge on Ayurvedic practices.

    The conference features three-day workshops and 16 scientific sessions, with over 400 research papers to be presented. The All India Institute of Ayurveda has a global presence in over 17 countries through academic and scientific collaborations with prominent organizations like the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, FIGZ Germany, AIST Japan, Western Sydney University Australia, UHN Canada, and national institutions like IGIB, AIIMS, CSIR, IIT, etc.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Net Direct Tax Collections increase by 206.95% from Rs. 6,38,596 crores in F.Y. 2013-14 to Rs. 19,60,166 crores in F.Y. 2023-24

    Source: Government of India

    Net Direct Tax Collections increase by 206.95% from Rs. 6,38,596 crores in F.Y. 2013-14 to Rs. 19,60,166 crores in F.Y. 2023-24

    Gross Direct Tax Collections increase by over 224.06% in F.Y. 2023-24, reaching a figure of Rs. 23,38,421 crores from Gross Direct Tax Collections of Rs. 7,21,604 crores in F.Y. 2013-14

    Total number of ITRs filed in FY 2023-24 stand at 8.61 crores showing an increase of 126.58% as compared to total number of ITRs of 3.80 crores filed in FY 2013-14

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 7:44PM by PIB Delhi

    Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has been releasing key statistics relating to Direct Tax collections and administration in public domain from time to time. In continuation of its efforts to place more and more information in public domain, the CBDT has further released Time-Series data as updated up to F.Y. 2023-24. The key highlights of some of these statistics are as under: –

    1. Net Direct Tax Collections have increased by 206.95% from Rs. 6,38,596 crores in F.Y. 2013-14 to Rs. 19,60,166 crores in F.Y. 2023-24.
    2. Gross Direct Tax Collections have increased by over 224.06% in F.Y. 2023-24, reaching a figure of Rs. 23,38,421 crores from Gross Direct Tax Collections of Rs. 7,21,604 crores in F.Y. 2013-14.
    3. Direct Tax to GDP ratio has increased from 5.62% in F.Y. 2013-14 to 6.64% in F.Y. 2023-24.
    4. The Cost of collection has decreased from 0.57% of total collection in the F.Y 2013-14 to 0.44% of total collection in the F.Y. 2023-24.
    5. The total number of ITRs filed in FY 2023-24 stands at 8.61 crores showing an increase by 126.58% as compared to total number of ITRs of 3.80 crores filed in FY 2013-14.

    The availability of the Time-Series data in public domain will be useful for academicians, research scholars, economists and the public at large in studying long-term trends of various indices of the effectiveness and efficiency of Direct Tax administration in India. This time series data is available at http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in.  

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IFSC’s First Finance Company for Power & Infrastructure lending i.e. PFC Infra Finance IFSC Limited to commence operations – Receives approval from IFSCA

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 7:50PM by PIB Delhi

     

     

    PFC Infra Finance IFSC Limited (PIFIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC), has received approval from International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to commence business as a Finance Company in IFSC  GIFT City Gujarat.

    PIFIL, part of India’s largest non-banking financial company (NBFC) group, will be the first finance company in IFSC dedicated to power and infrastructure lending. PFC Infra Finance IFSC Limited aims to provide lending in India and in other countries in foreign currency, catering to both government and private players. The establishment of PIFIL will position PFC as a global brand and contribute to strengthening India’s position as a global financial hub.

    Shri. K. Rajaraman, Chairperson IFSCA, congratulated PFC for being the first government NBFC for receiving the Certificate of Registration (CoR) as a Finance Company for its IFSC subsidiary – PFC Infra Finance IFSC Ltd, for undertaking lending business. Shri. Rajaraman emphasised the need for fulfilling the gap for financing renewables towards Net Zero achievement and was positive about the role in which PFC Infra Finance IFSC Limited can contribute to achieving the goal.

    The CoR was handed over by Shri K. Rajaraman, Chairperson, IFSCA to Smt. Parminder Chopra, Chairperson PFC & PFC Infra Finance IFSC Limited.

    Smt. Parminder Chopra, Chairperson PFC & PFC Infra Finance IFSC Limited stated that “We are proud to be the first finance company in the IFSC focused on infrastructure including power sector lending. As we commence operations, funding for energy transition will be a key focus, aligning with India’s strong push towards clean energy sources. We bring a wealth of experience from our successful track record in India’s power sector and we are confident that our presence will contribute significantly to the growth and success of the IFSC.”

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Sh Jyotiraditya M Scindia Inaugurates International 6G Symposium

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Sh Jyotiraditya M Scindia Inaugurates International 6G Symposium

    Bharat 6G Alliance Expands Global Collaboration with Key MoUs Signed at the Symposium

    “Bharat 6G Alliance will play a constructive role in the standards-making process for 6G.”: Sh  Scindia

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 7:52PM by PIB Delhi

    Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Hon’ble Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, inaugurated the International 6G Symposium today at the sidelines of ITU-WTSA24 and IMC 24.

    Addressing the inaugural event, Minister Scindia highlighted the transformative potential of 6G, emphasizing its role in driving economic growth and technological innovation. “As 6G standards evolve, the shift towards software-centric technology presents a significant opportunity for India, with our large pool of engineering and software talent” he said.

    Sh Scindia also added that, “Bharat 6G Alliance will play a constructive role in the standards-making process for 6G and 10% of 6G Patents will come from India.”

    While talking about India’s growing image of becoming a Vishwa Bandhu, Minister Scindia shared that, “As the Voice of the Global South, India will continue to advocate for technology that is inclusive and affordable for all.”

    The event, organized by the Bharat 6G Alliance, marks a crucial milestone in India’s journey towards global leadership in 6G technology. The Bharat 6G Alliance is a collaborative initiative of Indian industry, academia, national research institutions and standards organizations. It brings together various stakeholders to foster innovation, standardization, and research in the field of 6G telecommunications and to contribute to global 6G standards through bodies like the ITU and 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project).

    Highlighting India’s immense potential in the 6G landscape Shri Scindia reiterated India’s ambition to lead the global 6G ecosystem through the Bharat 6G Alliance. “While we actively contributed to the global 5G landscape, our aspiration now is to lead the world in 6G development, with strong international collaboration,” he added.

    The symposium began with a welcome address by Mr. N. G. Subramaniam (NGS), Chair of the Bharat 6G Alliance, Chairperson of Tata Elxsi, and Chairperson of Tejas Networks. “India is actively collaborating with industry, academia, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to shape the future, one that empowers people on a large scale,” said Mr. Subramaniam.

     

    Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary Telecom, delivered the keynote address, stressing the importance of developing 6G infrastructure to position India as a global frontrunner in telecommunications. He emphasized the need for India to build robust 6G infrastructure and foster public-private partnerships to maintain a leading position in the global telecommunications sector. “Developing a skilled workforce and collaborating with global academic institutions will be critical as we implement 6G over the next 6-8 years,” he said.

    The Bharat 6G Alliance(B6GA) signed various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with global collaborators, NGMN Alliance (Next Generation Mobile Network Alliance), 5G ACIA (5G Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation), Germany, UKI-FIN (UK- India Future Networks Initiative) & UK TIN (UK Telecom Innovations Networks), 6G Forum (South Korea), 6G Brasil (Brazil). B6GA has already forged alliance with NextG Alliance of ATIS USA, 6G Smart Networks and Services Industry Association (6G IA), European Council and 6G Flagship- Oulu University.

    B6GA has constituted 7 working groups deliberating specific areas of 6G, including spectrum, device technologies, use cases, standards, green and sustainability, RAN and core networks, AI and sensing, and security. Today’s event saw the release of reports by working groups on Applications, Spectrum, 6G Use Cases & Revenue Streams and Green & Sustainability.

    Earlier in the day, Sh Scindia had a breakfast meeting with CEO’s & leaders of prominent telecom companies including BSNL, C-DOT, Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, AMD, HFCL, Cisco Qualcomm India, GSMA and Viasat. The Minister urged industry leaders to deliberate on issues related to Data Centres and Home BB/FFTH, AI/Gen AI, TMZ, Spamming, Responsible Behaviour, Social Inclusion and Sustainability with a key objective to form actionable points to take India into the next level of telecommunications.

    In addition, a workshop was separately held with the academicians of 5G Use Case Labs by National Communications Academy, Department of Telecommunication, Ghaziabad and was attended by over 100 participants from premier 100 academic institutions, across the country. Deliberations were held on applications and development of new use cases for 5G in industries, healthcare, smart grids, agriculture & education sectors, etc. and the possible network transformation with emerging technologies, etc.

    The workshop also focussed to disseminate information about the global standards development by ITU and opportunities for the Academicians to participate in ITU Standardization activities. The workshop chaired by Deb Kumar Chakrabarti, DG NCA and panellists included Prof Rohit Budhiraja (IIT Kanpur), Prof Chandra Murthy (IISc), Prof Sunil Jha(IIT D), Prof Dinesh Bharadia (University of California, San Diego), Mr. Thomas Basikola(ITU),Niels Koenig(FIPT, Germany), Mr Bharat Bhatia, CEO, IAFI. Speakers from DoT, RJIO, Niral Networks, Rebaca Technologies and other premier Academic Institutes, Telecom Service Providers & Industries from India and abroad and International Telecommunication Union also participated.

    These discussions and developments are part of the side events of the ongoing WTSA 24 & IMC-24 being held in New Delhi. The event marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s digital journey, reinforcing the country’s commitment to becoming a global leader in advanced communication technologies.

    About WTSA 2024:

    WTSA 2024, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), serves as a platform for the development and implementation of global telecommunications standards, uniting regulators, industry leaders, and policymakers to shape the future of communications worldwide.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Commits to Ethical AI with New EoI initiative

    Source: Government of India (2)

    India Commits to Ethical AI with New EoI initiative

    Empowering Society Through AI: IndiaAI mission selects 8 projects to enhance ethical AI development across diverse themes

    Top Indian institutions to make AI wise through bias mitigation, Machine Unlearning & making AI Ethical & ensure privacy

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 8:14PM by PIB Delhi

    The IndiaAI Mission has selected eight Responsible AI Projects against the Expression of Interest (EoI) floated under the Safe and Trusted AI Pillar of the IndiaAI Mission. Recognizing the need for adequate guardrails to advance the responsible development, deployment, and adoption of AI, the selected Responsible AI projects include the development of indigenous tools and frameworks, and establishing guidelines for ethical, transparent, and trustworthy AI technologies.

    Promoting responsible AI through 8 strategic projects

    As AI continues to permeate various sectors of society, India is committed to invest in agile mechanisms for developing indigenous governance tools, frameworks, and guidelines that are based on Indian datasets and reflect its unique challenges, opportunities, and datasets. To support this vision, IndiaAI has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) to promote responsible AI projects across a range of critical themes. These include Machine Unlearning, Synthetic Data Generation, AI Bias Mitigation, Ethical AI Frameworks, Privacy-Enhancing Tools, Explainable AI, AI Governance Testing, and Algorithm Auditing Tools.

    More than 2000 proposals were received from reputed Academic Institutions, Start-ups, Research Organisations & Civil Society. A multi-stakeholder committee was created to provide technical expertise for the evaluation of the proposals, resulting in the selection of 8 projects across various themes.

    The details of the Selected Projects are given below:-
     

     

    S.No.

     

    Name of the Theme

     

    Name of the Selected Project

     

     

    Title of the Project
    1.  

    Machine Unlearning

    Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur

    Machine Unlearning in Generative Foundation Models
    1.  

    Synthetic Data Generation

    Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee

    Design and Development of Method for Generating Synthetic Data for Mitigating Bias in Datasets; and Framework for Mitigating Bias in Machine Learning Pipeline for Responsible AI
    1.  

    AI Bias Mitigation Strategy

    National Institute of Technology Raipur

    Development of Responsible Artificial Intelligence for Bias Mitigation in Health Care Systems
    1.  

    Explainable AI Framework

    Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune in partnership with Mindgraph Technology Pvt. Ltd.

    Enabling Explainable and Privacy Preserving AI for Security
    1.  

    Privacy Enhancing Strategy

    Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi in partnership with Indian Institute of Technology, Dharwad, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi and Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC)

    Robust Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning Models
    1.  

    AI Ethical Certification Framework

    Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi in partnership with Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC)

    Nishpaksh: Tools for assessing fairness of AI model
    1.  

    AI Algorithm Auditing Tool

    Civic Data Labs

    ParakhAI – An open-source framework and toolkit for Participatory Algorithmic Auditing
    1.  

    AI Governance Testing Framework

    Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in partnership with Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC)

    Track-LLM, Transparency, Risk Assessment, Context & Knowledge for Large Language Models

    Advancing India’s leadership in AI through the IndiaAI Mission

    This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision of leveraging AI for inclusive growth. IndiaAI, an IBD (Independent Business Division) under the Digital India Corporation (DIC) of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), is the implementation agency of the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to democratize AI’s benefits across all strata of society, bolster India’s global leadership in AI, foster technological self-reliance, and ensure ethical and responsible use of AI.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Signing of memorandum of understanding between Ministry of Rural Development and LEAD at Krea University

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 8:22PM by PIB Delhi

     A MoU was signed between Ministry of Rural Development, Govt. of India, (MoRD) and LEAD at Krea University today at New Delhi with the objective of leveraging existing repository of knowledge for benefit of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and contribute and co-create new inventory of knowledge products.

    During this engagement, DAY-NRLM and LEAD will focus on creating knowledge pool and utilizing existing and new datasets to generate data-driven insights for evidence-based policymaking. The knowledge products would also enable discovering innovative solutions to empower rural communities by conducting primary and secondary research to understand programme outcomes and improve implementation practices.

    DAY-NRLM under MoRD and LEAD team will jointly work on research design and planning exploring areas of existing knowledge gaps or new areas of research for benefit of the larger programme, identify and involve stakeholders for enhanced capabilities formalizing a ‘Research and Knowledge Coalition’ and developing a knowledge dissemination strategy leveraging NRLM’s communication channels to reach different stakeholder audience and policymakers.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ECI conducts day long session to brief the Central Observers to be deployed for State assembly elections and bye-elections

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ECI conducts day long session to brief the Central Observers to be deployed for State assembly elections and bye-elections

    EC asks Observers to review basic facilities & queue management at polling stations for ease of voting

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 9:50PM by PIB Delhi

    The Election Commission of India today organised a briefing for General, Police and Expenditure Observers to be deployed in Jharkhand, Maharashtra and constituencies where bye-elections were announced on October 15, 2024. Over 625 senior officers drawn from IAS, IPS as well as officers from Indian Revenue Service and few other Central Services attended the briefing meeting, organised today at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu personally briefed the observers on their critical and important role in their allotted constituencies.

    Reminding the observers of their crucial role, EC Shri Gyanesh Kumar in his address urged Observers to focus on various aspects for the smooth conduct of the elections including processes, infrastructure and perception. He emphasised that Observers, as the eyes and ears of the Commission, should familiarise themselves with the election processes and observe their transparent implementation in letter and spirit. He called upon the Observers to oversee and review the infrastructure arrangements at polling stations including Assured Minimum Facilities and queue management. He also cautioned the Observers about the menace of false narratives attempting to vitiate the election process for a swift response from district teams to counter any misinformation.

    In his address, EC Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu exhorted the Observers to be absolutely thorough in their role and use their vast experience to serve as a guide to the officials conducting the elections. Dr. Sandhu stated that visibility, accessibility, and responsiveness are critical for the Observers to fulfil their role successfully. He also advised the Observers to personally visit Vulnerable Polling Stations for inspection. He directed the Observers to review the Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at every Polling Station.

    All Observers were briefed about the crucial insights so as to sensitise them regarding the Commission’s various new initiatives and directions. The following was emphasised during the briefing session:

    1. Observers were strictly directed to remain accessible to all parties, candidates and voters for timely redressal of their grievances. Any complaints in this regard shall be viewed seriously by the Commission.
    2. Observers details like mobile/ landline numbers/ email addresses/ places of stay etc. to be widely publicised on CEO/ District websites; through electronic/ print media and the same must be circulated among Candidates/ recognised political parties by DEOs/ ROs on the day of arrival of Observers in their respective Constituencies.
    3. Observers should visit polling stations and ensure availability of Assured Minimum Facilities at all polling stations. For the convenience of voters, especially in urban areas, proper queue management to be ensured on polling day along with the facility of benches.
    4. Observers to oversee proper demarcation of 200 mts area from the polling station premises for setting up of desks by the political parties on the poll day.
    5. Observers were also directed to observe the meetings of Candidates/ political parties being convened by DEOs/ ROs and see that their grievances are properly listened to and acted upon.
    6. As the eyes and ears of the Commission on the ground, the Observers were asked to exercise constant vigilance with utmost sincerity. As a guide, the Observers will have to understand each and every instruction and process clearly.
    7. For all purposes, the Observers will provide direct inputs to the Commission from the field as an interface with the election machinery, the candidates, political parties, and electors.
    8. Observers were directed to ensure that the Acts, rules, procedures, instructions, and guidelines related to elections are strictly and impartially complied with by all concerned.

    During the day-long briefing sessions, the officers were given comprehensive and thorough inputs about the various aspects of election management by the Senior Deputy Election Commissioner, DECs and DGs of ECI. Detailed thematic presentations were made on Election planning, Observer’s roles and responsibilities, electoral roll issues, enforcement of Model Code of Conduct, election expenditure monitoring, legal provisions, EVM/VVPAT management, media engagement and the wide array of activities undertaken for voter facilitation under the Commission’s flagship SVEEP (Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation) programme.

    The Observers were also acquainted with the various IT initiatives and mobile applications of the Commission for voter facilitation as well as effective and efficient management of election processes on the field. The Observers were directed to go through updated and comprehensive manuals, handbooks, compendium of instructions, Do’s and Don’ts on all thematics concerning election management to facilitate their work. The same are available on the ECI website in ebook and searchable format for easy access to any instructions and guidelines.

    Background

    The Commission deploys Observers under Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act,1951 and plenary powers of the Constitution. The Observers are entrusted with the crucial responsibility of observance of the election process, the fairness, impartiality and credibility which forms the bedrock of our democratic polity. The Commission puts a great deal of faith in its General, Police and Expenditure Observers and the role of such Observers in ensuring free and fair Elections is of utmost importance for the Commission. These Central Observers not only help the Commission in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of conducting free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections but also to enhance the voter awareness and participation in election. These Observers are known for being the eyes and ears of the Commission.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: More than 20% of Earth’s plant species are found only on islands – and time is running out to save them

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julian Schrader, Lecturer in Plant Ecology, Macquarie University

    Shutterstock

    Islands have long intrigued explorers and scientists. These isolated environments serve as natural laboratories for understanding how species evolve and adapt.

    Islands are also centres of species diversity. It has long been speculated that islands support exceptionally high amounts of global biodiversity, but the true extent was unknown until now.

    In world-first research published in Nature today, my colleagues and I counted and mapped the diversity of plant life on Earth’s islands. We found 21% of the world’s total plant species are endemic to islands, meaning they occur nowhere else on the planet.

    These findings are important. Island plants are at higher risk of extinction than those on mainlands. Detailed knowledge of plants species, and where they grow, is essential for monitoring and conserving them.

    Mapping island floras worldwide

    The study involved an international team of scientists. We developed an unprecedented database of vegetation information from more than 3,400 geographical regions worldwide, including about 2,000 islands.

    The definition of an island is somewhat arbitrary. Conventionally, an island is a landmass entirely surrounded by water and smaller than a continent. This means Tasmania and New Guinea are islands, but mainland Australia – a continent in itself – is not. This is the definition we used.

    We found 94,052 plant species, or 31% of the world’s total, are native to islands. Of these, 63,280 plant species, or 21%, only occur on islands.

    Endemic species were concentrated on large tropical islands such as Madagascar, New Guinea and Borneo. On Madagascar alone, 9,318 plant species – 83% of its total flora – grow there and nowhere else.

    Fewer plant species overall were found at ocean archipelagos such as Hawaii, the Canary Islands and the Mascarenes (east of Madagascar, including La Reunion and Mauritius). But a large share of their species were still unique to these islands.

    Two palms are endemic to Australia’s Lord Howe Island – Howea forsteriana and H. belmoreana. They are one of the best-researched examples of “sympatric speciation”, or in other words, species that evolve from a common ancestor at the same location.

    This mode of evolution has long been hypothesised to exist. But examples are rare, and highly useful for evolutionary research.

    The Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is, of course, named after the tiny island where it is found. This species, while endangered in the wild, is now widely planted along Australia’s beaches where it is instantly recognisable to us.

    Islands are of great conservation concern

    Islands cover just 5.3% of the world’s land area, but contribute disproportionately to global biodiversity.

    Island plants are at much greater risk of extinction than species found in mainland areas, for reasons such as:

    • small population sizes
    • unique evolutionary traits that make them vulnerable to invasive species such as herbivores
    • specific habitat requirements
    • habitat degradation
    • threats from invasive plant and animal species
    • climate change.

    Some 57% of the island-endemic species we assessed are considered critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, or near-threatened, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

    Alarmingly, 176 of plant species endemic to islands are already classified as extinct, accounting for 55% of all known extinct plant species globally. Among these is Hawaii’s vulcan palm (Brighamia insignis), which is now considered extinct in the wild. However, the species is popular as an ornamental plant and still survives in gardens.

    Hawaii’s vulcan palm is extinct in the wild, but is popular as an ornamental plant.
    Shutterstock

    Other species might be less lucky; extinction in the wild may mean being lost for ever.

    So, assessing the conservation status of island floras is important. Under a globally agreed United Nations target, 30% of the world’s land and oceans should be protected by 2030. We calculated how much of global islands is conserved today. Disappointingly, only 6% of endemic plant species occur on islands that meet this target.

    For instance, New Caledonia, Madagascar and New Guinea – known for their many endemic plant species – contain relatively low levels of protected areas.

    Assessing the conservation status of island floras is important.
    Shutterstock

    Protecting our island plants

    Urgent action is needed to protect island biodiversity. This includes expanding protected areas, prioritising regions with high numbers of endemic species, and implementing habitat restoration projects.

    Without such measures, the unique floral diversity of islands may continue to decline, with potentially severe consequences for global biodiversity.

    Much more research is needed to determined the best conservation strategies for all these plant species. Accurate data is vital to guide future conservation strategies and safeguard against further loss.

    Our study also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for targeted plant conservation efforts on islands. Many species teeter on the brink of extinction, and time is running out to preserve this irreplaceable natural heritage.

    Julian Schrader does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. More than 20% of Earth’s plant species are found only on islands – and time is running out to save them – https://theconversation.com/more-than-20-of-earths-plant-species-are-found-only-on-islands-and-time-is-running-out-to-save-them-238433

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2024 North Carolina Award Winners, State’s Highest Honor, Announced

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: 2024 North Carolina Award Winners, State’s Highest Honor, Announced

    2024 North Carolina Award Winners, State’s Highest Honor, Announced
    jejohnson6

    The state’s highest civilian honor, the North Carolina Award, will be presented to eight distinguished North Carolinians Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Raleigh Marriott City Center. Governor Roy Cooper will present the awards at a 7 p.m. banquet and ceremony.

    All proceeds from ticket sales for the awards ceremony will go to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to help communities recover from Hurricane Helene.

    The award was created by the General Assembly in 1961 to recognize significant contributions to the state and nation in the fields of fine arts, literature, public service and science. The awards have been presented annually since 1964 and this year marks the 60th anniversary of the awards ceremony.

    The 2024 honorees are The Avett Brothers (Scott Avett, Seth Avett and Bob Crawford) for Fine Arts, Frank A. Bruni Jr. for Literature, William Henry Curry for Fine Arts, Thomas W. Earnhardt for Science, Christina Koch for Science, and Dr. Harold L. Martin Sr. for Public Service.

    “Over the past six decades, the North Carolina Award has been given to many remarkable North Carolinians,” said Reid Wilson, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “This year’s awardees join an illustrious list of people who have benefitted North Carolina through their impressive accomplishments in public service, literature, science, and the arts. This year’s event will benefit our neighbors in Western North Carolina who were harmed by the devastating storm.”

    Since the award’s inception, more than 300 notable men and women have been honored by the state of North Carolina. Past recipients include William Friday, James Taylor, Etta Baker, Charles Kuralt, Maya Angelou, Lee Smith, Eric Church, Selma Burke, and Branford Marsalis.

    2024 Award Recipients:

    Fine Arts: The Avett Brothers

    Brothers Scott and Seth Avett and their longtime friend Bob Crawford lead the folk rock band The Avett Brothers. From Concord, N.C., Scott and Seth Avett have played music together since childhood. Their partnership began when the two brothers merged Seth Avett’s high school band, Margo, and Scott Avett’s college band, Nemo, and released three albums as Nemo. After the group disbanded Scott and Seth continued to write acoustic music together. In 2001 stand-up bassist Bob Crawford joined the Avetts, and the band released its first full-length album, Country Was in 2002. The band has been nominated for three Grammy awards and been nominated for and won several awards from the Americana Music Association, including Duo/Group of the Year and New/Emerging Artist of the Year awards in 2007. As cultural ambassadors for North Carolina, The Avett Brothers play a vital role in promoting the state’s rich musical heritage, inspiring future generations of artists while remaining deeply rooted in their origins.

    Literature: Frank A. Bruni Jr.

    Frank Bruni has been a prominent journalist for more than three decades, principally at The New York Times, where his various roles have included op-ed columnist, White House correspondent, Rome bureau chief and chief restaurant critic. As the Times’s first openly gay op-ed columnist, in 2016 Bruni was honored by the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association with the Randy Shilts Award for his lifetime contribution to LGBTQ equality. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead Scholar and wrote for the student paper, the Daily Tar Heel. Bruni is the author of five bestselling books including the most recent, “The Age of Grievance,” an examination of America’s political dysfunction and culture wars. In 2021, he became a full professor at Duke University, teaching media-oriented classes in the Sanford School of Public Policy. Now living in North Carolina, he continues to write his popular weekly newsletter for the New York Times and to produce occasional essays as a contributing opinion writer for the newspaper.

    Fine Arts: William Henry Curry

    William Henry Curry, a significant figure in contemporary American music, has made remarkable contributions as both a conductor and composer. His dedication to championing American composers, his trailblazing role as an African American in classical music, and his wide-ranging work in both concert and opera have established him as a pioneering force. Curry currently serves as the music director and conductor of the Durham Symphony Orchestra. From 1998 to 2016, he was the resident conductor and Summerfest artistic director of the North Carolina Symphony. During his career, he has conducted some of the world’s greatest orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the major opera companies of New York, Chicago, and Houston. Maestro Curry is also a composer, and his works have been played by many of America’s finest orchestras. He has been a mentor for young musicians at the Peabody Conservatory, the Baltimore School of Arts, and many music schools in North Carolina.

    Science: Thomas W. Earnhardt

    Tom Earnhardt has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting North Carolina’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Earnhardt extensive career of service includes time as an assistant attorney general at the N.C. Department of Justice, assistant secretary of the N.C. Department of Administration, and as a professor at North Carolina Central University School of Law. In 1971 Earnhardt was one of the first attorneys hired at the N.C. Department of Justice in the “new arena” of environmental law. Later, while working with Governor Jim Holshouser he played a key role in helping to preserve critical natural areas, including the New River in northwestern North Carolina and the southernmost Outer Banks, today’s Cape Lookout National Seashore. Beyond his legal work, Earnhardt has long been passionate about conservation and environmental education. He served on the boards of numerous natural resource organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and the North Carolina Botanical Garden. He is best known, however, through his work as the writer, host, and co-producer of the long-running PBS series “Exploring North Carolina,” which highlights the importance of our natural heritage in the life of every North Carolinian.

    Science: Christina Koch

    Christina Koch has blazed a trail for women in space exploration. Selected to be a NASA astronaut in 2013, Koch has set the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman with 328 days in space, participated in the first all-female spacewalk, and was a flight engineer on the International Space Station for Expeditions 59 through 61. Koch is a graduate of the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics and North Carolina State University. Before becoming an astronaut, she worked at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center as an electrical engineer, contributing to instruments for various NASA space science missions. Koch is a passionate advocate for STEM education, actively encouraging young people, especially girls, to pursue careers in science and technology. Throughout her career, she has engaged in educational outreach, technical instruction, and volunteer tutoring, demonstrating her dedication to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. As part of the Artemis II mission scheduled for 2025, Koch will become the first woman to participate in a lunar mission.

    Public Service: Dr. Harold L. Martin Sr.

    Dr. Harold Lee Martin, Sr., has dedicated his life to higher education and public service. Serving as the 12th chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University from 2009-2024, Martin became the first alumnus to lead the institution. His extensive experience in education, spanning over 40 years, made him a key figure in N.C. A&T’s growth to become the largest of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and one of the country’s top public research institutions. Before becoming N.C. A&T’s chancellor, Martin served as senior vice president for Academic Affairs for the University of North Carolina System, where he helped shape policies benefiting institutions across North Carolina, and held leadership roles at Winston-Salem State University, where he served as the 11th chief administrator and seventh chancellor.

    The 2024 North Carolina Awards will be presented Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Raleigh Marriott City Center. This event is sponsored by Wells Fargo, Martin Marietta, RTI, Wolfspeed, Lenovo, Duke Energy, ECU Health, CBC/WRAL Community Fund of the Triangle Community Foundation, Friends of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, PBS North Carolina, NCSU College of Engineering, N.C. School of Science and Mathematics, NC Opera, Dr. Myron S. Cohen and Dr. Gail Henderson, Honorable G K Butterfield, Justice W. Earl Britt, and Michael Alan McFee.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Oct 16, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration Takes Groundbreaking Action to Expand Health Care Access by Covering Traditional Health Care Practices

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), approved section 1115 demonstration amendments that allow, for the first time ever, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage of traditional health care practices provided by Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, Tribal facilities, and urban Indian organizations (UIO). Today’s action is expected to improve access to culturally appropriate health care and improve the quality of care and health outcomes for tribal communities in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Oregon, and will support IHS, Tribal, and UIO facilities in serving their patients. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Molinaro To Host Another Pinning Ceremony In Cortland County For Vietnam War Veterans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19)

    Marathon, NY – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) today announced he will host another pinning ceremony for Vietnam War veterans on Monday, October 21 from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in Cortland County. Rep. Molinaro held pinning ceremonies in Greene, Broome, and Sullivan Counties.

    Rep. Molinaro will present veterans with a pin recognizing their service. This event is open to all Vietnam War veterans, their families, and anyone who would like to pay respect to our veterans. In order to be recognized for your service, veterans must RSVP here or call Rep. Molinaro’s Leeds Office at (518) 625-2100 to sign up.

    Rep. Molinaro said, “These pinning ceremonies are a way to express our utmost gratitude and appreciation for our Vietnam War veterans, who sacrificed so much to protect our nation. We thank them and their families for their service and commitment to our country.”

    Details for the event can be found below:

    Date: Monday, October 21

    Time: 3:30pm-4:30pm

    Location:

    Osco Robinson American Legion Hall
    1134 US Highway 11 

    Marathon, NY 13803

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr Jitendra Singh Addresses Delhi University Students, Calls Them Torchbearer of 2047 India

    Source: Government of India

    Dr Jitendra Singh Addresses Delhi University Students, Calls Them Torchbearer of 2047 India

    An Amazing Journey from Fragile Five to Top Five

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 4:25PM by PIB Delhi

    Addressing the Delhi University students, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (I/C) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh called them torchbearers of 2047 India and exhorted them to lead the “Viksit Bharat 2047”, envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

    The reforms brought in the last 10 years have given self-confidence to Indian youth and raised his esteem globally, said the Minister.

    The Minister was addressing a certificate distribution and felicitation of young minds at Daulat Ram College in Delhi University. He shared with the audience information about the various steps taken by the Government in the last ten years benefiting the youth and students.

    Dr Jitendra Singh said, “it has been an amazing journey as India comes a long way from fragile five before 2014 to become top five”. The Minister said, this Government after taking charge, within 100 days, have sanctioned infrastructure projects worth Rs 15 lakh crore, 12 industrial nodes will be developed, in which 40 lakh youths will be employed.

    Dr Jitendra Singh recalled the initiative of self-certification by Shri Prime Minister Narendra Modi just a few months after taking charge of the Government. Youth no longer had to go to any Gazetted officer for certification of documents. That showed the kind of faith this government posed on the youth.

    These had been allegations that despite getting good marks in written examination, Government service aspirants were getting subpar marks in the interview. Addressing this issue, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Government came with the solution. In the Group C service and below of the Government of India, provision for interview was done away.

    Speaking about Start-Ups, Dr Jitendra Singh said, “Our Government incubated and accelerated this concept in the country. There were only 350-375 Start-Ups before 2014, which have now reached around 3.75 lakh. We are now third in the world in terms of Start-Ups.” If India wants to become developed by 2047, it has to have global benchmarks and the country has started going in that direction rapidly, he added.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NITI Aayog to launch the International Methanol Seminar and Expo: Paving the Way for a Sustainable Energy Future

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 5:19PM by PIB Delhi

    NITI Aayog is set to host the Second International Methanol Seminar and Expo 2024, a two-day event on the 17th – 18th October 2024 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. This is the second major seminar in the Methanol Economy Programme by the NITI Aayog. Methanol Economy in India was started in September 2016 when NITI Aayog, in collaboration with Methanol Institute, USA, organized the first seminar. After 8 years, NITI Aayog is organizing the Seminar and Expo to highlight all the progress of projects, products and R&D initiatives related to Methanol production, application, and allied technological developments in the world.

    The seminar will be a comprehensive platform for discussions on the methanol economy, bringing together global experts, industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers. The key focus of the Seminar would be to highlight the role of Methanol in the world energy transition and the rise of Methanol as a low-carbon fuel in green shipping. NITI Aayog is partnering with Methanol Institute, USA, as the Knowledge Partner. Government of India through various Departments supported various R&D projects in Indian high ash coal to methanol, DME production, conversion of diesel engines to operate on 100% Methanol and Methanol blends in Diesel (MD15) and Methanol blended petrol. The government is also promoting work in methanol cooking and process heating applications.

    This event is not just limited to discussions; an exciting Methanol Expo will also run alongside the seminar, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations in methanol production, storage, and utilization. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading global companies and organizations, explore the latest advancements, and witness first-hand how methanol is set to revolutionize industries like transportation, shipping, power generation, and more.

    Key Indian Industries like Kirloskar, Ashok Leyland, Volvo Penta, FCTecNrgy, Wesman Thermal process, METFUEL, Thermax, BHEL, NTPC and Defence labs like NMRL have developed 100% Methanol buses, trucks, LCVs, gensets, fuel cell and reformed based energy applications, boilers, gas turbines and other cutting-edge applications. The entire array of products and technologies will be on display at the Expo.

    The seminar comes at a critical time as India advances its vision of a methanol economy. Methanol, a versatile fuel that can be produced from a wide range of domestic feedstocks, including biomass, coal, and renewable sources, is positioned to play a crucial role in India’s clean energy transition.

    As India seeks to meet its COP commitments and align with global sustainability goals, the International Methanol Seminar will focus on key themes such as:

    • Methanol as a clean alternative fuel for transportation, shipping, and power generation.
    • Sustainable production and scaling of methanol technologies, emphasizing local production to enhance energy security.
    • Global partnerships and innovation exchanges that foster international collaboration on methanol advancements.

    Speakers from about a dozen countries will be in full participation through both physical and virtual modes.

    The International Methanol Seminar 2024 promises to be a landmark event, offering a platform for groundbreaking discussions and collaborative efforts to propel India and the world toward a sustainable, methanol-powered future.

    For further information please go through this link:

    https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2024-10/International%20Methanol%20Seminar.pdf  

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SECL Becomes First Coal Company to Open Four AMRIT Pharmacies

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 5:00PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant step towards providing affordable and accessible healthcare, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), Chhattisgarh-based subsidiary of Coal India, inaugurated the country’s 216th AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) Pharmacy. Located at the Health Centre in SECL’s Indira Vihar Colony, Bilaspur, this new facility makes SECL the first coal company to operate four AMRIT pharmacies.

     

     

    The AMRIT pharmacies, part of a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2015, provide a wide range of generic and life-saving branded drugs, implants, and surgical consumables at highly subsidized rates. SECL’s initiative will benefit both inpatients and outpatients, including SECL employees, the general public, and especially people from tribal and rural areas within the coal belt. The expansion of these pharmacies will ensure easier access to affordable medicines for communities in some of the most underserved regions.

    CMD, SECL, Dr. Prem Sagar Mishra highlighted the company’s commitment to inclusive growth, stating: “With the inauguration of our fourth AMRIT pharmacy, we are proud to enhance healthcare access not only for our employees but also for the larger community, particularly in tribal and rural areas of the coal belt. This initiative also aligns with promoting inclusivity which is one of the key focus areas of this year’s Special Campaign 4.0.”

    The Pharmacy has been built by cleaning and utilizing vacant space beside the health Centre emerging as an example of best practices under Special Campaign 4.0. 

    This pharmacy, along three others located in Central Hospitals in the operational areas of Gevra in Korba district, (CG), Sohagpur in Shahdol district (MP), and Chirimiri in Manendragarh-Chirimiri-Bharatpur district (CG), ensures that a wide array of medications for common and critical conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases are available under one roof.

    By offering medicines directly to its employees through these pharmacies, SECL is also contributing to the judicious use of medical resources, helping reduce medical reimbursement costs while ensuring patients receive quality treatment.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Agricultural Research and Education – Indian Council of Agricultural Research issues mid campaign progress for Special Campaign 4.0

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 5:32PM by PIB Delhi

    Department of Agricultural Research and Education – Indian Council of Agricultural Research has taken up initiatives for Swachhata Special Campaign 4.0 with great enthusiasm. Targets for the campaign regarding disposal of pending VIP references, public grievances, reviewing and weeding out of physical as well as electronic files, conducting outdoor campaigns for creating swachhata awareness were set by 1st October, 2024. The Department has progressed a lot towards achieving its targets. Reviewing and weeding of physical and electronic files are being conducted at rapid pace and the targets shall be accomplished shortly. The Department has minimal pendency regarding VIP references and Public Grievances. Best Practices are being regularly adopted and monitored by all institutes of the Department. Ample spaces are being freed through swachhata programmes and in turn revenue is being generated. The photographs of sites identified for cleanliness show large improvement after cleaning. Great efforts have been exerted by the ICAR/ DARE institutes to maintain cleanliness inside as well as at the outskirts.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Earth Sciences Concludes Activities under Special Campaign3.0

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 5:34PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) completed select targeted activities under Special Campaign 3.0, aligned with the Government of India’s guidelines to promote cleanliness, transparency, and efficiency in governance.

    As part of Special Campaign 3.0, from October 2023 to August 2024, the MoES and its subordinate and attached offices and autonomous institutes conducted 73 cleanliness campaigns, weeded out 3,660 files, freed up 7,375 square meters of space, and disposed of scrap, generating a value of around 6 lakh rupees. It has also worked towards addressing references from the PMO, MPs, Inter-Ministerial Consultation references, Parliamentary Assurances, and public grievances and appeals. A Recreation Room and a Yoga Room were also set up at MoES Prithvi Bhavan Headquarters in New Delhi. These facilities were envisaged to enhance team building and work-life balance, encourage mindfulness, and foster connection amongst employees.

    Launched as a nationwide initiative in October 2023, Special Campaign 3.0 aimed at enhancing work efficiency within government institutions by addressing long-pending matters, focusing on office cleanliness, and pacing the administrative environment. The Ministry of Earth Sciences undertook several significant measures during the Special Campaign 3.0, contributing to the larger goals of Swachhata (cleanliness) and good governance.

    MoES remains committed to upholding the values of Swachhata, transparency, and efficiency. The successful completion of the Special Campaign 3.0 is a testament to the Ministry’s dedication to contributing to the Government of India’s vision of a cleaner and more efficient public administration.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC)

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Communications

    Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 5:32PM by PIB Delhi

    Current Framework

    • To stop unwanted sales calls and messages, TRAI has issued many regulations over the years. The latest regulations were issued in July 2018. These are called Telecom Commercial Communications Customer’s Preference Regulations (TCCCPR-2018). These regulations aim to control spam while making sure businesses can still promote their products.
    • These Regulations set rules to be followed by a Business Entity before it sends commercial communications. Business Entity registers themselves with telecom service providers (TSPs) and gets Headers for them. Through the Header, you can recognize who is the Sender. Eg when you received a message with header SBICRD, u can know it is from SBI Credit Card company.
    • In addition, these Regulations also provide a mechanism to the customers to choose which types of communications they want to block or receive. Eg a customer can choose to receive SMS only related to Financial Sector or Realty sector. Messages are delivered to the customers accordingly.
    • As far as voice calls are concerned, a separate number series 140 has been allotted for making marketing calls. If u have opted to block commercial calls thru DND registration, you will not receive any calls from 140 series.

    Impact of Regulations-

    Measures taken under TCCCPR 2018 Regulatory provisions and subsequent Directions issued by TRAI have resulted in substantial reduction of SMS related complaints against Registered Telemarketers (RTMs). However, complaints regarding UCC calls from normal 10-digits mobile/ landline numbers are continuing.

    TRAI’s Recent Efforts to Combat Spam Calls and SMS Abuse

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has taken significant strides to curb the menace of spam calls and prevent the misuse of SMS headers and content templates. These measures are aimed at safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring a clean and secure messaging ecosystem. Some of Key Actions Taken by TRAI to ensure it are:

    • Stringent Measures Against Spam Calls: TRAI issued directives on August 13, 2024, mandating that any entity found to be making promotional voice calls in violation of regulations would face severe consequences. This includes disconnection of all telecom resources, blacklisting for up to two years, during which there will complete ban on acquisition of new telecom resources. After issuance of Direction, over 800 entities/individuals have been blacklisted, and more than 18 lakh Numbershave been disconnected as part of this exercise.
    • Mandatory URL, APK, and OTT Link Whitelisting:It was observed that sometime malicious links are sent though the SMS.Through its Direction dated 20.08.2024, TRAI directed all the Access Providers that effective from 1st October 2024, all Access Service Providers will be prohibited from transmitting messages containing URLs, APKs and OTT links, which are not whitelisted by the Senders.In compliance with TRAI’s August 20, 2024, directive, Access Providers have implemented mandatory whitelisting of URLs, APKs, or OTT links in messages by sending Entities.Till date, more than 10,000 entities have whitelisted more than 2.75 lakh URLs.
    • Migration for Telemarketing Calls to online DLT platform for better monitoring:A separate 140xxx series is allocated to Telemarketers (TMs) for making telemarketing calls. The assignment of 140 series and registration of telemarketers etc., till now, being done outside DLT platform by the Access Providers.TRAI, on 20th August 2024, issued directions to all Access Providers to migrate telemarketing calls starting with 140 series to online DLT platform latest by 30th September 2024 for better monitoring and control.Telemarketing calls starting with the 140 series have been migrated to the DLT platform for improved monitoring and control.
    • Blocking Unused Headers and Content Templates: It has been observed that there are many unused Headers and Content Templates which are prone to be misused by fraudulent elements. Complying with the Direction of TRAI for re-verification and blocking of Unused/ Unverified Headers/ Content Templates. Access Providers have blocked around 3.5 Lakh Headers and 12 Lakh Content Templates since Feb 2023.
    • Expansion of Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR):JCoRis a collaborative initiative by TRAI to study regulatory implications in the digital world and to collaboratively work on regulations. It consists of Members from TRAI, RBI, SEBI, Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MoCA), MHA and DoT. Recently, IRDAI, PFRDA and MeitY have also became members of JCoR.

    Action in Pipeline

    • Enhanced Message Traceability: As per TRAI Direction dated 20.08.2024, Access Providers are in the process of implementing technical solutions to ensure better message traceability. This involves mandating the Senders to define the complete chain of TMs through which messages travel before reaching the consumers. This would ensure that Heads and Content templates of the Senders are not misused by fraudulent elements.
    • A separate series for Transactional and Service Calls– On the recommendations of TRAI, 160 series has been allocated by DoT exclusivelyfor making transactional and service voice calls. In the first stage, it has beenearmarked for all entities regulated by RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA. It will help in the easy identification of the calling entity and will prevent the duping of innocent citizen from the fraudsters. Based on discussion with RBI, SEBI, Banks, and TSPs. and a pilot study, different approaches are being examined for its implementation.
    • On 28th August 2024, TRAI has issued a consultation paper seeking public comments on “Review of the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2018 (TCCCPR-2018)”. TRAI is seeking inputs on areas to strengthen the regulations, including stricter provisions against the Unregistered Telemarketers (UTMs) who harass the public through spam calls, improved complaint redressal mechanisms, more effective UCC detection systems, stronger financial disincentives for violation of regulatory provisions, and revised regulations for senders and telemarketers. The paper also explores the possibility of differential tariffs for voice calls and SMS todiscourage UCC. The Consultation Paper is available on TRAI website http://www.trai.gov.in.

    *****

     

    SB/DP/ARJ

    (Release ID: 2065448)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Activities of Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare during 3rd Week of Special Campaign 4.0

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 5:56PM by PIB Delhi

    Special Campaign 4.0 was launched by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) for minimizing pendency in Government offices. Special Campaign 4.0 is being implemented in two (2) phases namely Preparatory Phase from 16th – 30th September 2024 and Main Phase from 2nd – 31st October 2024.

    In the Main Phase, this Department has undertaken comprehensive cleanliness drive in the Headquarters and its subordinate/attached offices, PSU etc. across the country.  Dedicated effects have been made to achieve these targets during the Implementation Phase from 2nd to 31st October, 2024.

    During the third week of Special Campaign 4.0, two PIB Note and more than 125 Tweets have been posted by this Department and its Attached/Subordinate/ Field Offices etc. on various social media platforms, such as, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram,  Facebook etc.

    DA&FW has decided to take a special initiative to dispose on merit, the pending 44 lakh self-registration cases as on 21.9.2024 under PM-Kisan Scheme by 31st October 2024.  With regular reviews with the State Governments/UTs and their active collaborations, this pendency has been brought down to 19.39 lakh and this achievement has been included in the Best Practice category.

    Progress/achievements of this Department during the 3rd week of Special Campaign 4.0 ending on 16.10.2024 are as under:-

    S. No.

    Parameters

    Targets

    Achievement

    1

    No. of cleanliness campaign sites

    1473

    487

    2

    Number of pending references from MPs

    41

    12

    3

    Pending Public Grievances

    17547

    15041

    4

    Pending PG  Appeals

    616

    348

    5

    Record Management

    (Physical files reviewed)

    45278

    14140

    6

    Record Management

    (Physical files weeded out)

    6121

    6121

    7

    Space freed (area in Sq. ft.)

     

    1470 sq. ft.

    8

    Revenue generated (Amount in Rupees)

     

    Rs. 1216746/-

    ******

    SS

    (Release ID: 2065474) Visitor Counter : 65

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Earth Sciences completes activities of Special Campaign 3.0

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 5:57PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Earth Sciences completed select targeted activities under Special Campaign 3.0, aligned with the Government of India’s guidelines to promote cleanliness, transparency, and efficiency in governance.

    As part of Special Campaign 3.0, from October 2023 to August 2024, the MoES and its subordinate and attached offices and autonomous institutes conducted 73 cleanliness campaigns, weeded out 3,660 files, freed up 7,375 square meters of space, and disposed of scrap, generating a value of ~6 lakh rupees. It has also worked towards addressing references from the PMO, MPs, Inter-Ministerial Consultation references, Parliamentary Assurances, and public grievances and appeals. A Recreation Room and a Yoga Room were also set up at MoES Prithvi Bhavan Hqrs. in New Delhi. These facilities were envisaged to enhance team building and work-life balance, encourage mindfulness, and foster connection amongst employees.

    Launched as a nationwide initiative in October 2023, Special Campaign 3.0 aimed at enhancing work efficiency within government institutions by addressing long-pending matters, focusing on office cleanliness, and pacingthe administrative environment. The Ministry of Earth Sciencesundertook several significant measures during the Special Campaign 3.0, contributing to the larger goals of Swachhata (cleanliness) and good governance.

    MoES remains committed to upholding the values of Swachhata, transparency, and efficiency. The successful completion of the Special Campaign 3.0 is a testament to the Ministry’s dedication to contributing to the Government of India’s vision of a cleaner and more efficient public administration.

    ***

    NKR/DK/AG

    (Release ID: 2065475) Visitor Counter : 53

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of State Sh. Kirti Vardhan Singh and Colombian Vice Minister Mr. Jorge Enrique Rojas Rodriguez Discuss Climate Change, Strengthen Environmental Cooperation

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister of State Sh. Kirti Vardhan Singh and Colombian Vice Minister Mr. Jorge Enrique Rojas Rodriguez Discuss Climate Change, Strengthen Environmental Cooperation

    India and Colombia Deepen Ties on Biodiversity and Sustainability Initiatives During High-Level Meeting

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 6:03PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Sh. Kirti Vardhan Singh, held a courtesy meeting with Mr. Jorge Enrique Rojas Rodriguez, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia today. The meeting focused on key global issues such as climate change and biodiversity.

    During their discussions, MoS Sh. Singh extended his best wishes to Colombia for the upcoming United Nations Biodiversity Conference, set to be held in Cali, Columbia. Highlighting India’s commitment to environmental sustainability, he shared details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign—a unique initiative aimed at promoting environmental responsibility while honoring the respect and devotion toward mothers. The Colombian Vice Minister expressed his appreciation for this innovative campaign.

    In addition, Minister Singh introduced Vice Minister Rojas Rodriguez to the renowned Madhubani paintings displayed in the Ministry’s gallery, which reflect the rich interplay of ‘Nature’ and ‘Culture,’ further underscoring the importance of preserving both biodiversity and heritage.

    This meeting underscores the strengthening of bilateral ties between India and Colombia, particularly in areas of environmental cooperation and global sustainability efforts.

    *****

    VM/GS

    (Release ID: 2065477) Visitor Counter : 41

    Read this release in: Hindi

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Rural Development Launches Special Campaign 4.0 for Promoting Cleanliness and Disposal of Pending Matters

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 5:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Under the guidance of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Department of Rural Development is implementing the Special Campaign 4.0 for institutionalizing Swachhta and reducing pendency in its offices.

    The Department of Rural Development, during the course of Special Campaign 4.0 is striving to achieve complete disposal of pending matters. In the first 15 days of Special Campaign 4.0 from 2nd – 16th October, 2024, the following progress has been achieved by the Department:

     

    S.No.

    Parameter

    Target

    Achievement (upto 16th October, 2024)

    % Achievement (upto 16th October, 2024)

    1

    Cleanliness Campaigns

    3

    3

    100 %

    2

    References from MPs

    75

    9

    12 %

    3

    State Govt. References

    14

    6

    43 %

    4

    PMO References

    1

    1

    100 %

    5

    IMC References

    2

    1

    50 %

    6

    Public Grievances

    1401

    914

    65 %

    7

    Public Grievances Appeals

    707

    160

    23 %

    8

    Parliament Assurances

    6

    1

    17 %

    9

    Physical files review

    4270

    3344

    78 %

    10

    Electronic files review

    2162

    1105

    51 %

     

    Out of 1189 physical files identified for weeding out, all 1189 identified files have been weeded out during this period. A revenue of Rs. 6,94,250/- has been earned by E-waste disposal and raddi disposal. The disposal of furniture is under process. The Department has conducted 3 outdoor cleanliness campaign in the following sites with the Shram Daan of the officials of the Department of Rural Development.

     

    Sl.No.

    Activity Name

    Location

    1

    Shram Daan on 02.10.2024

    Cleaning activity in boat club area near Kartavya Path, New Delhi.

    2.

    Mass Swachhata Activity on 04.10.2024

    NDCC-II building, Jai Singh Road, New Delhi.

    3.

    Plantation and Swacchta Activity on 08.10.2024

    Parking Area, near entry Gate No. 4, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

     

    The efforts under the Special Campaign were posted on various Social media platforms to promote the campaign as well.The Department has issued 36 tweets so far under #SpecialCampaign4.0.

    The Department has utilised this opportunity to achieve decluttering of office space, cleanliness of common areas and upkeep of office rooms, a glimpse of which is shared below:

     

    Description

    Before

    After

    Cleanliness outside Krishi Bhawan

    Decluttering of Office Cabin

     

    The Department is committed towards disposal of the pending matters as identified in the target, by 31st October, 2024 under the Special Campaign 4.0.

    *****

    SS

    (Release ID: 2065473) Visitor Counter : 69

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