Shri Vishal Kumar Dev IAS (Odisha 1996), presently serving as Principal Secretary to Government – E & IT Department, with additional charge of the posts of Chairman – Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), and Principal Secretary, Department of Energy, will retain the additional charge as Principal Secretary – Department of Energy, Odisha. The allocation of this position to Shri Hemant Sharma IAS, has now been cancelled.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Vishal Kumar Dev the very best.
Shri Mara Kocho presently Chief Engineer Chief Engineer (Elect), Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has been selected for the post of Managing Director- North Eastern Handicrafts & Handloom Development Corporation Limited
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Mara Kocho the very best.
Shri Abhay Indu Sharma JKAS presently Under Secretary in the J&K Services Selection Board, is transferred and posted as Under Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Abhay Indu Sharma the very best.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal in his virtual address during the 57th Convocation of The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) motivated the students to stay informed about new trade agreements, using these as avenues to create fresh business opportunities and access new markets. During the address held in New Delhi , he noted that this knowledge would contribute to the ambitious target of a ‘Viksit Bharat,’ including the goal of reaching $2 trillion in trade. Highlighting sectors such as telecom, semiconductors, deep-sea exploration, and space technology, he urged them to contribute to these fields with a forward-thinking mindset.
In his inspiring message, Shri Goyal urged the graduates to embrace their roles as socially responsible professionals. He emphasized the critical importance of ethical business practices, underscoring how today’s organizations are expected to uphold Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) principles. He encouraged the graduates to integrate social issues into their management practices, aligning corporate goals with community welfare to make a positive impact on society. He further advised the young graduates to chart their paths to success through innovation, especially by engaging with emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
He complimented the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, faculty and the students in making IIFT as centre for academic excellence. He also mentioned about the IIFT’s first overseas Campus in Dubai, thus thereby spreading its wings in the international business community. He emphasized the dedication and resilience of the students that have brought them to this milestone, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their future careers.
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) hosted its 57th Convocation on 11 November, 2024 in New Delhi, with grandeur, marking a significant milestone in the institute’s legacy of excellence. The event was graced by a virtual address from Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Shri Piyush Goyal, Chancellor of IIFT and Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Shri Sunil Barthwal presided over the event. The ceremony was honored by the presence of Managing Director of Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd., (Amul), Dr. Jayen Mehta, as the Chief Guest, who delivered an inspiring convocation address to the graduates. During the convocation degrees were conferred to more than 650 students from various programs, including the flagship MBA (International Business), MA (Economics) with specialization in International Trade and Finance, Ph.D. in Management and Economics, and Executive Programmes, underscoring IIFT’s commitment to train students in the fields of International Business, Economics and Trade.
Shri Sunil Barthwal, Chancellor, IIFT and Secretary, Department of Commerce, Government of India, commended the graduating students for their determination and hard work in reaching this pivotal stage in their lives and encouraged them to apply their learnings from IIFT in their professional careers. Shri Barthwal highlighted IIFT’s recent achievements in research and consulting, noting that the institution has developed substantial expertise in analyzing international business environments and creating strategic solutions for corporates. He lauded IIFT’s stellar performance in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) by the Ministry of Education, where it ranks among the top 15 B-schools in India. He also spoke about the upcoming overseas campus in Dubai, which is expected to bring IIFT’s unique educational offerings to the Indian diaspora in the UAE and the international community at large, fostering deeper global connectivity. Reflecting on the need for skilled professionals in international trade, Shri Barthwal shared details about the newly established Centre for International Negotiations at IIFT, which will provide a platform for students, government officials, and corporate negotiators to learn from each other’s expertise. He also discussed about the future initiatives, establishment of IIFT Case Centre. He hoped that the Case Centre would enhance the learning experience at IIFT by developing high-quality, India-focused business cases, and enriching students’ exposure to real-world problem-solving within the context of global business challenges.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Jayen Mehta, encouraged the graduating students to explore rewarding careers in international business and trade. He highlighted the remarkable achievements of Indian companies in reaching new global markets and underscored how international business expertise could position students to be at the forefront of India’s expanding global footprint. He shared insights into how Amul and other leading Indian brands are strengthening India’s presence on the world stage, creating opportunities for talented professionals in trade and commerce. Dr. Mehta’s address underscored the significance of cooperatives in strengthening India’s rural economy and ultimately empowering farmers, highlighting the pivotal role cooperatives play in fostering economic resilience at the grassroots level. Dr. Mehta also urged the graduates to prioritize human values and uphold strong ethical principles in their professional lives. Additionally, he reminded them to pay attention to their personal health and well-being, recognizing that a balanced and healthy lifestyle is essential for long-term success and fulfillment.
Congratulating the graduating students, Professor Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor, IIFT emphasized the significance of hard work and imbibing contemporary managerial skills as critical factors for success in corporate life. Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi commended the faculty and staff for their commitment to academic excellence, which has contributed to IIFT’s reputation as a leader in international business education. Prof. Joshi noted that despite challenges in the job market, IIFT achieved 100 percent placements for its graduating class underscoring the institute’s commitment to preparing students with skills that meet industry demands. He emphasized the importance of working closely with the industry and government which has helped the institute to contribute to cutting-edge research and policy inputs. Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi also acknowledged IIFT’s recent collaborations with prestigious universities in the United States and Europe, strengthening its global engagement and offering students valuable international exposure. He applauded IIFT’s research initiatives, which have contributed to its high rankings nationally and internationally, solidifying its role in shaping the future of trade and commerce education.
Shri Sunil Gupta IRTS presently Chief Passenger Transportation Manager, Indian Railway Traffic Service has been selected for the post of Director (Operations & Commercial), Konkan Railway Corporation Limited.
Shri Sunil Gupta is a MTech from IIT Madras and MBA from BITS Pilani.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Sunil Gupta the very best.
Dr. Farukh Nasir Paul JKAS presently Under Secretary – Labour & Employment Department, is transferred and posted as Under Secretary (Media and Publicity) in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Dr. Farukh Nasir Paul the very best.
To commemorate the life and teaching of Ambalal Muljibhai Patel, widely revered as Dada Bhagwan, a special stamp was released by the Department of Posts to honour the extra- ordinary spiritual teacher whose life and teachings have impacted countless individuals worldwide.
The stamp was released during the 117thJanma Jayanti of Pujya Dada Bhagwan on 10th November, in the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Pujya shree Deepakbhai Desai and Shri Dinesh Kumar Sharma, Post Master General at the Navlakhi Ground, Vadodara, Gujarat.
The commemorative stamp designed by Smt. Nenu Gupta features a photo of Pujya Shri Dada Bhagwan. His serene expression and compassionate eyes reflect a deep sense of inner calm, inspiring devotees to seek truth, self-realization, and universal love. The image serves as a reminder of his teachings and the path of Akram Vignan, encouraging followers to live a life rooted in spirituality and self-awareness.
The Department of Posts is proud to release a commemorative postage stamp honoring Dada Bhagwan. Celebrated for founding AkramVignan, Dada Bhagwan’s teaching continue to inspire through Trimandirs, Satsang centers and dedicated volunteers. His vision of a spiritually enriched and compassionate world remains a guiding light for many, offering a direct path to self-realization and liberation.
A special issue of the research publication of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, the Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (JDRAS), was released by Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush in the presence of Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, and senior officials and researchers of the Council. This special edition of JDRAS is dedicated to the emerging field of Ayurveda Aahara. It represents a significant step forward in the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to bridge traditional Ayurvedic dietary wisdom with modern scientific understanding.
Highlighting the significance of scientific research in food science and nutrition, Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, remarked, “Addressing today’s food-related challenges requires innovative, science-backed solutions rooted in tradition. Our research on Ayurveda Aahara offers valuable insights for preventive health, linking ancient dietary wisdom with modern science to foster sustainable and nutritious practices for contemporary society.”
Ayurveda Aahar Logo
It is noted that in alignment with India’s age-old traditions of Ayurveda, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in consultation with the Ministry of Ayush, introduced the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022. These regulations, officially notified on May 5, 2022, formally define “Ayurveda Aahara” as food prepared according to the recipes, ingredients, or processes described in authoritative Ayurveda texts. The regulations aim to safeguard the identity and authenticity of Ayurveda-based dietary practices, preserving the original principles of Ayurveda food preparation. As part of these efforts, FSSAI has also launched a unique logo for Ayurveda Aahara, unveiled on June 7, 2022.
JDRAS
As India’s leading institution in Ayurveda research, CCRAS has been pivotal in advancing Ayurveda Aahara through various scientific initiatives and validation projects. This special issue of JDRAS showcases the latest research activities, focusing on Ayurveda’s holistic dietary principles and their scientific underpinnings. CCRAS is actively documenting and validating traditional food recipes, studying the health impacts of specific medicinal plants used in ethnic diets, and standardising recipes to establish protocols that align with modern dietary practices.
While talking about the research activity of CCRAS on Ayurveda Aahara, Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, said, “Our research on Ayurveda Aahara has gained international recognition, highlighting the value of Ayurveda’s dietary practices in modern food science. With FSSAI now recognising Ayurveda Aahara, CCRAS is at the forefront, aligning traditional wisdom with global health priorities to offer sustainable, science-backed nutritional solutions for today’s challenges.”
Through comprehensive research, CCRAS aims to bridge traditional knowledge and modern health practices. The Council has conducted survey studies across regions to document traditional dietary practices and recipes handed down through generations. Additionally, scientific validation efforts are being carried out to verify these foods’ nutritional and therapeutic benefits. At the same time, the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Ayurveda-based recipes ensures quality and consistency in their preparation. These initiatives contribute to creating evidence-based dietary guidelines relevant to contemporary society, making Ayurveda Aahara accessible and acceptable to a global audience.
The traditional wisdom of Ayurveda recognises food as a foundation for health and wellness. This understanding, which has long guided communities in making healthy dietary choices, is now supported by the Ministry of Ayush and FSSAI’s regulatory framework. CCRAS’s extensive research initiatives highlight how Ayurveda Ahara can meet modern public health demands. With projects focusing on validating recipes and ingredients, CCRAS aims to bring scientifically proven benefits of Ayurveda Aahara into mainstream dietary practices, helping individuals make healthier, informed choices.
With the launch of this special JDRAS issue, CCRAS reiterates its commitment to further exploring and validating Ayurveda’s dietary heritage. The studies featured in this special issue emphasize how integration with scientific methods enriches the Ayurvedic perspective on nutrition, offering a unique blend of tradition and evidence-based health solutions. By advancing research in this domain, CCRAS ensures that Ayurveda Ahara remains relevant and widely applicable, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern nutritional science.
Shri Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone JKAS presently in the Revenue Department, is transferred and posted as Under Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone the very best.
The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands as a beacon of cinematic excellence, showcasing a harmonious blend of regional and global films that reflect a variety of cultures, narratives, and artistic pursuits. IFFI has been an example of how to attain global acclaim and prowess without parting with the local roots. It has become a melting pot where films, artists and visitors from all over the world come together to celebrate the art and craft. It is also a joyous celebration of the power of cinema as a universal language that transcends boundaries and brings together filmmakers and audiences worldwide.
It is fascinating how the entire structure of IFFI allows it to become a bridge that connects the local with the global. IFFI takes place in the city of Goa, known for its deep-rooted Portuguese heritage, with beautifully preserved 17th-century churches and the surrounding tropical spice plantations. The multi-cultural fabric of Goa’s society shines brightly advocating equal respect for all cultures.
The statistics reflect that IFFI positions itself as a platform where diversity is cherished. This year’s 55th IFFI festival, to be held from November 20 to 28 in Goa, has attracted significant global participation, with 1,676 submissions from 101 countries and more than 180 films from 81 nations set to be presented. Such numbers highlight IFFI’s expanding global footprint and its role as a conduit between different cinematic traditions. At the same time there are multiple vernacular language movies that rule the screens providing a culture-fluid ecosystem for art to thrive!
One of the key aspects that underscores IFFI’s unique position as the champion of regional cinema is the Indian Panorama section. The diversity is reflected in the multiple vernacular language movies that are selected. This year’s selection includes 25 feature films in total out of which five are Hindi films, two Kannada films, one Tamil film, 3 Marathi films, two Telugu films, one Gujarati film, three Assamese, four Malayalam, three Bengali and one Galo film. Similarly in the Non-Feature category there are 20 selections including seven Hindi films, 2 Tamil films, one Bengali film, one Haryanvi film, one Garo film, one Punjabi film, one Ladakhi film, one Marathi film, one Oriya film, one Tamil, one English, one Rajasthani film and one Konkani film. This selection is a testament to the myriad storytelling traditions present within India, offering a microcosm of its diverse culture.
Co-Production Market further reinforces this blend of local and international as it showcases the seamless integration of local and global film industries. The official selection for the Co-Production Market featuring 21 feature films and 8 web series from seven countries. including Hindi, English, Assamese, Tamil, Marwari, Bengali, Malayalam, Punjabi, Nepali, Marathi, Pahadi, and Cantonese. This selection exemplifies IFFI’s dedication to fostering a collaborative and culturally inclusive cinematic environment, blending regional and global storytelling.
Similarly, the Film Bazaar’s Work-in-Progress (WIP) Lab at IFFI 2024 exemplifies the festival’s commitment to nurturing new voices in cinema. The selected films include Shape of Momos by Tribeny Rai (Nepali), Gaangshalik (Gaangshalik – River Bird) by Shakteedhar Bir (Bengali), Yerra Mandaram (The Red Hibiscus) by Mohan Kumar Valasala (Telugu), Kaatti Ri Raatti (Hunters Moon) by Ridham Janve (Gaddi, Nepali), Umal by Siddharth Badi (Marathi), and The Good, The Bad, The Hungry by Vivek Kumar (Hindi). Notably, five of these films are debut features, highlighting the immense potential and innovative vision of young filmmakers. The Lab’s hybrid model of online and offline mentoring facilitates vital feedback, enabling these filmmakers to refine their projects with both regional authenticity and global appeal.
Additionally, IFFI 2024 honors Australia as the “Country of Focus,” a move that enhances the festival’s international character and underscores shared storytelling traditions through the India-Australia Audio Visual Co-production Treaty. This emphasis on cross-cultural dialogue exemplifies how IFFI goes beyond being just a festival—it is a meeting ground for global narratives, where diverse voices come together to celebrate cinema.
With such extensive global and regional participation, IFFI 2024 is poised to be a beacon of artistic exchange, reflecting how cinema can act as a conduit for connection across borders. By championing both emerging and seasoned filmmakers and facilitating a blend of local authenticity and international collaboration, IFFI solidifies its role as a vital cultural hub that celebrates the vivid stories of the world.
‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’, a three day Exercise to war-game the growing threats from and to Space Based Assets and Services, is being conducted by the Defence Space Agency of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff from 11 – 13 Nov 24. Exercise Antariksha Abhyas is a first of its kind exercise being conducted and is expected to help secure national strategic objectives in space and integrate India’s space capability in military operations.
In his opening address, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said, “Space, once considered the final frontier is now the critical enabler of India’s defence and security apparatus. With its rich legacy of space exploration and growing military capabilities, India is well positioned to navigate the challenges posed to space based capabilities”. Highlighting that space was becoming increasingly congested, contested, competitive and commercial, the CDS impressed upon the military leadership to secure our national interests in space by fostering innovation and developing cutting edge technologies and state of the art systems in collaboration with DRDO, ISRO and Academia.
The Space Exercise aims to provide enhanced understanding of space based assets and services and to gain understanding of operational dependency on space segment between stakeholders. In addition, it intends to identify vulnerabilities in conduct of operations in the event of denial or disruptions of space based services. It will have participants from the Defence Space Agency and its allied units along with personnel from the Army, Navy and the Air Force. Specialist branches under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff viz Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency and Strategic Forces Command would also be active participants in conduct of the exercise. Representatives from Indian Space Research Organisation and the Defence Research & Development Organisation will also take part in it.
Smt. Sumita Dawra, Secretary (Labour & Employment) and Chairperson of Executive Committee, Central Board, Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) presided over the 109th Meeting of the Executive Committee on 08.11.2024 at EPFO Head Office, New Delhi. This was the first meeting of the Executive Committee after re-constitution of the Committee on 27.09.2024.
The Executive Committee is a statutory committee under the EPF Act, 1952 with the mandate of rendering assistance to the Central Board, EPF in the discharge of its functions.
Several important and significant matters were before the Committee for deliberations, recommendations, and approvals.
The Audited Annual Accounts of EPFO for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 were placed before the Committee for consideration of recommendation to the Board, thus ensuring that the backlog of annual account was cleared. The Committee gave directions that the audited accounts for the year 2023-24 should be prepared and presented in time. As an important initiative, the Executive Committee approved the hiring of two Chartered Accountant firms for the preparation of Annual Financial Statements of EPFO, and to facilitate the automation of the process of preparation of financial statements. This will ensure that the annual accounts are prepared timely, and bring in professionalism and latest practices in the process.
The Annual Report for the year 2023-24 on the functioning of EPFO was also considered by the Executive Committee. While deliberating on the Annual Report, the Committee noted the steady growth on key performance parameters of the organization. The number of contributing establishments grew at 6.6% (7.66 lakhs from 7.18 lakhs) while the number of contributing members grew at 7.6% (7.37 crore from 6.85 crore) over the previous year. The organization also saw an increase of 55.4% in realizing arrear dues (Rs 5268 crore from 3390 crore) over the previous year. There was also an increase of 7.8% in the number of claims settled over the previous year (4.45 crore from 4.13 crore). The Executive Committee recommended the report for adoption to the Central Board.
In another significant decision the Executive Committee also considered the draft New Compassionate Appointment Policy, 2024, with a goal to bring relief to the dependents and wards of many employees of EPFO, who had unfortunately died in harness, many of which had occurred during the Covid pandemic period.
Further, the Executive Committee deliberated several other proposals related to information technology, administrative, financial, and related aspects for good governance in EPFO. Reform agenda of EPFO was discussed at length. It was appreciated that EPFO has relaxed the criteria for auto-settlement of claims with respect to the ceiling as well as the categories of admissible grounds for claim. Other reforms related to streamlining processes, making it easier for members to get their claims processed were also taken up.
Steps to enable centralized pension payment as well as the interventions in improving IT related software and hardware were discussed, and timelines for completion of overhaul of the IT system were noted. It was appreciated that updated software for field applications that had been put in place across the country by EPFO had improved the speed, yet the importance of close follow-up at field-level was emphasized. This will ensure improvement is felt across all offices in the country. Regular and close review of EPFO offices is to remain a priority.
It was further decided that the occasion of the 72nd Foundation Day of EPFO on 15 November 2024 will be used as an opportunity to push the reform agenda ahead through the employees of EPFO who work at different levels across the country.
The Executive Committee decided to meet monthly for the next few months to regularly monitor and review the reform agenda, including modernization project and other important initiatives that are under way at present. The aim being to bring greater ease of living for the citizens through systemic improvements.
IndianBureaucracy.com is a Registered Trademark & Premium SSL secured web site owned by CentruMedia.
© 2025 Indian Bureaucracy. All Rights Reserved.
