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NITI Aayog | Jal Utsav starts today

November 6, 2024

NITI Aayog will be launching 15 day ‘Jal Utsav’ starting today to create awareness and sensitivity towards water management, conservation and sustainability. The campaign follows the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi who mooted the idea of ‘Jal Utsav’ on the lines of ‘Nadi Utsav’ during the 3^rd Chief Secretaries Conference held in December, 2023.

Jal Utsav is being implemented in 20 Aspirational Districts/Blocks between November 6-24, 2024 in partnership with National Jal Jeevan Mission, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. The Festival being launched across 20 states, envisages community participation in preservation and protection of water resources. It seeks to instil a sense of responsibility towards efficient water use among households and water management among utilities and agencies. In this initiative, school students are being enrolled in water management activities, empowering them to act as catalysts for change within their families and communities.

The fortnight long festival will be launched with ‘Jal Bandhan’ – the symbolic tying of sacred thread on water assets by eminent personalities and local leaders. They would also launch “Fact Sheet on Jal Sampada (water assets)” of their respective blocks and districts. Besides, discussing the plan for the departmental activities in the fortnight, people would also take the ‘Jal Utsav Oath’ resolving to maintain and protect the water resources ensuring judicious and sustainable use. Through this pledge, communities are being encouraged to abide by the 5Rs: Respect, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recharge while using water.

The subsequent days of the Jal Utsav fortnight will include cleaning of Jal Sampada assets; celebrating Jal Sanchay Diwas; encouraging teachers to lead through creating water management awareness through stories, experiments and visits to water bodies and also by training the students on water quality testing using field test kits (FTKs). Students will be given exposure visits to water supply and treatment plants for greater awareness about water management; organizing Jal Utsav Run or marathon; planting of trees under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam at Jal Sampada premises are also the activities planned for the fortnight. People for skill development under Nal Jal Mitra initiative of Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation will also be enrolled during the Jal Utsav. Self-help Groups and ASHA workers are also being included in this festival for sensitization and capacity building.

Jal Utsav aims to celebrate water as a vital element for life through cultivating a sense of responsibility among the people from all walks of life including students, households and local communities in preserving water resources.

DFS Secretary M Nagaraju chairs review meeting with Public Sector Banks (PSBs)

saurabh

November 6, 2024

Shri M Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), chaired a review meeting with MD & CEOs of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to assess the performance and progress of PSBs across multiple dimensions, including financial soundness, digital initiatives, cybersecurity, customer-centric initiatives and financing support for priority sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs and government flagship financial inclusion schemes.

During the meeting, discussions were held on enhancing the robustness of PSBs, building on recent financial achievements, and addressing strategic challenges with key focus on financial performance indicators, assets and liabilities management, cyber resilience, and digital payments infrastructure.

Shri Nagaraju exhorted the PSBs to continue strengthening their financial and operational frameworks, particularly in light of the evolving market dynamics and cyber security needs.

During the review, the importance of enhancing the Current Account Savings Account (CASA) deposits was underlined, reinforcing the need for PSBs to mobilise CASA deposits so as to further accelerate the pace of sustainable credit growth. PSBs were advised to align their digital and cybersecurity frameworks with best practices, ensuring that customer protection and operational continuity remain top priorities. Specific emphasis was placed on reinforcing credit support to MSMEs and streamlining customer onboarding processes through digital innovations. Besides, PSBs were advised to follow the best HR practices prevailing in the industry for their employees.

The DFS Secretary underscored the importance of financial inclusion initiatives of the Government and urged the PSBs to further intensify their efforts to expand access to various financial services for underserved communities and enterprises.

Shri Nagaraju reviewed the progress under various Financial Inclusion schemes Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Stand Up India, PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi), PM Vishwakarma, PM Surya Ghar Yojana, etc. and other flagship schemes which are aimed at bolstering access to credit and enhance economic empowerment.

Secretary, DFS advised PSBs to give more thrust on technological advancements, robust financial health, timely & quality redressal of public grievances through responsible banking practices and to continue to make concerted efforts for enhancing customers’ banking experience.

IFFI to celebrate the Centenary of Four Icons of Indian Cinema

saurabh

November 6, 2024

The 55^th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is set to honour four cinematic legends who have shaped the many facets of Indian cinema. IFFI this year will pay homage to the extraordinary legacy of Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and Mohammed Rafi through a series of tributes, screenings, and interactive events, providing the delegates a closer look at the contributions of these legendary film personalities to the world of cinema.

NFDC-NFAI Restored Versions of Timeless Classics

In a special tribute to these icons, IFFI will present versions of their timeless classics restored by NFDC-NFAI, offering audiences an enriched experience of some of the most celebrated films in Indian cinema. The restored prints allow audiences to experience the grandeur and artistry of these films as they were meant to be seen,with meticulous attention to details.

Among the highlights, Raj Kapoor’s Awaara will be showcased in a digitally restored form that revives the warmth, humour, and empathy Kapoor brought to the common man’s journey. This restoration celebrates Kapoor’s unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema and his artistic commitment to portraying societal issues with depth and compassion.

The classic Harmonium, directed by Tapan Sinha, will be screened, inviting audiences to rediscover Sinha’s intricate storytelling. Known for its compelling themes and narrative depth, Harmonium exemplifies Sinha’s artistic legacy and cinematic vision.

Further enriching the IFFI experience is the restored Devadasu, a landmark film that solidified Akkineni Nageswara Rao’s (ANR) place in cinematic history. The restored version magnifies ANR’s profound portrayal of Devadas, allowing contemporary audiences to connect with his emotive performance in a role that resonates deeply with Indian cultural identity.

Finally, the classic Hum Dono will be screened in its enhanced audio and visual restoration. With songs immortalized by the legendary Mohammed Rafi, this version celebrates Rafi’s exceptional contribution to Indian music and cinema, reviving the magic of his voice for all generations.

Celebrating the Icons

In addition to the screening of restored classics, IFFI will celebrate the legacy of these four legends through out the festival. The opening ceremony will have a spectacular performance paying tribute to the lives and achievements of these legends, accompanied by an audiovisual presentation that brings their cinematic journeys to life.

Panel Discussions and In-Conversation Sessions: In-depth discussions and in-conversation sessions with esteemed guests and family members will provide unique insights into their lives. These conversations will illuminate both the personal and professional impacts of their work on the film industry.

Launch of MY STAMP: As a special gesture in honour, IFFI will unveil a unique MY STAMP dedicated to these four luminaries, symbolizing the imprint they have left on Indian culture and cinema.

Bilingual Brochures: Special bilingual brochures, highlighting each icon’s achievements, will serve as keepsakes, allowing attendees to celebrate and appreciate the legacies of these cinematic greats.

Caravan of Songs: A musical journey featuring 150 songs associated with Raj Kapoor and Mohammed Rafi, and 75 songs associated with Tapan Sinha and ANR, will immerse audiences in the musical contributions of these legends, highlighting their impact on the soundtrack of Indian cinema.

Curated Exhibition: A curated exhibition featuring rare memorabilia, photographs, and artefacts from the lives of Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, ANR, and Mohammed Rafi will provide audiences with a tangible connection to their remarkable contributions.

Thematic Activities: On the days dedicated to each personality, thematic activities are planned throughout the Entertainment Arena. This will include immersive activities, digital displays, engaging quizzes, etc. to keep audiences engaged with these legends and make them aware about their everlasting legacy.

Sand Art Illustration: As part of the centenary celebrations, a Sand Art illustration will be created in Kala Academy, as a tribute to the legendary artistes by Padma Shri Awardee and famous Sand Artist, Shri Sudarshan Pattnaik.

A Lasting Tribute

By bringing together art, history, and interactive experiences, IFFI will seek to inspire future generations through the legacies and enduring influence of Raj Kapoor, Tapan Sinha, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, and Mohammed Rafi on the world of cinema.

IFFI is not only about the screening of films and a get together of film-lovers! In its essence, the festival intends to offer and share the joy of cinema by celebrating and honouring the many master-craftsmen who continue to inspire audiences and artists worldwide with their evergreen legacy.

The International Solar Alliance announces selection of Ashish Khanna as Director General

saurabh

November 6, 2024

The seventh session of the ISA Assembly in progress in New Delhi selected Mr Ashish Khanna from the Republic of India as its third Director General. The other office candidates included Mr Wisdom Ahiataku —Togobo from Ghana and Mr Gosaye Mengistie Abayneh from Ethiopia.

The Director General of ISA plays a crucial role in supporting the Assembly in advancing the International Solar Alliance mandate. This includes supporting to Member Countries in addressing common challenges and engaging in coordinated action to scale up the deployment of solar energy globally.

The outgoing Director General, Dr Ajay Mathur, wishing his successor luck, said, “As I step down from my role, I want to take a moment to welcome Mr Ashish Khanna to this incredible journey ahead warmly. Serving in this position has been an honour, and I am confident you will bring unique energy, vision, and passion to this office and role. Your leadership will undoubtedly steer this Alliance to new heights, building on the progress achieved while carving your legacy. The challenges ahead are great, but so are the opportunities. My simple advice is to trust your intuition, lean on the support around you, and know that you have the skills to make a lasting impact. I wish you the very best as you begin this new chapter.”

As part of the selection process, the three candidates presented to the ISA Member Country representatives, focusing on their vision for a solar energy-dominant world and the role of the Alliance.

Mr Ashish Khanna, Director General – Designate, ISA, expounding on his plans for expanding ISA’s reach and impact, said the focus has to shift from ‘what’ to ‘how’ as most countries are aware of what needs to be done, but require assistance in reaching those goals. He added that the Alliance will benefit from participating in international fora, where the motivation should be twofold: to explore collaborations, work together, and learn from each other’s experiences. Moving forward, he said he looks forward to building on what is working well and grooming existing partnerships, and he stressed purity of intent and passion for results.”

Dr Ajay Mathur, who has led the Alliance since 2021, will conclude his tenure on 14 March 2025. Under his leadership, the Alliance has achieved significant milestones, including a monumental rise in Member & Signatory Countries tallying at 103 and 17, respectively, the completion and launch of demonstration projects, and the successful identification of 50 start-ups with potential to dynamise their countries’ journey towards solar energy. His contributions have laid strong foundations to equal challenges that global solar deployment presents under the broad ambits of investments – via the Global Solar Facility, infrastructure through setting up of solar demonstration projects, and indigenisation – via the STAR-Centres and other ISA programme-related trainings.

Across the three priority areas of work: advocacy and analytics, capacity building, and programmatic support, drawing a spotlight on the Alliance’s accomplishments under his leadership.

He steered the aggregation of 9.5 GW of project proposals, including notable projects like a 360 MW solar PV bid in Cuba and a 400 MW approval in Ethiopia. Guided the preparation of feasibility studies for ground-mounted projects and solar rooftop DPRs in Comoros, Sao Tome & Principe, and Bangladesh. Pilot projects are advancing in Ethiopia, and assessments are ongoing in nine countries. Mini-grid assessments in Ethiopia, Somalia, and Guinea, as well as solar water pumping studies, were completed in 10 countries.
The STAR-C initiative, the stellar capacity-building ISA offering, has trained over 900 professionals through six centres, with 10 new centres planned. Regulatory workshops in eight countries have trained over 265 policymakers. ISA also drives knowledge management through its Knowledge Series, Solar Data Portals, and Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre. Flagship reports Easing of Doing Solar and World Solar Reports on Technology, Investment and Finance have been published annually since 2020 and 2022, respectively. The latest addition to this repertoire, ‘Unleashing the Role of Solar: In Advancing Economic, Social, And Environmental Equity’ report, focuses on exploring the global adoption of solar (and renewables) through the lens of socio-economic and developmental priorities for each archetype, utilising a diverse set of indicators across finance, technology, and policy enablers.
Among the innovative financial tools, ISA’s Global Solar Facility, launched at COP27, aims to unlock $50M in commercial capital for underserved regions, with its first project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While the SolarX Startup Challenge, launched at COP27, mentors 50 scalable solar solutions from Africa and Asia-Pacific, supporting the creation of a project pipeline. ISA continues to lead global collaboration on solar energy through events at the Conference of Parties. Since COP27, ISA has been hosting a solar-focussed space, The Solar Hub, and took its advocacy efforts a notch up with the launch of the first International Solar Festival in September 2024, further cementing its role in the global solar transition.

Speaking of his legacy, Dr Mathur noted, “I would like to be remembered as the Director General who provided some degree of direction for the globalisation of solar energies while in office at the Alliance.”

About the International Solar Alliance

The International Solar Alliance is an international organisation with 120 Member and Signatory countries. It works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable 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, 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. With advocacy for solar-powered solutions, ISA aims to transform lives, bring clean, reliable, and affordable energy to communities worldwide, fuel sustainable growth, and improve quality of life.

With the signing and ratification of the ISA Framework Agreement by 15 countries on 6 December 2017, ISA became the first international intergovernmental organisation to be headquartered in India. ISA 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 solutions through solar energy, especially in the least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

TB-Free India | Achievements, Challenges and the Way Forward

saurabh

November 6, 2024

India’s dedicated journey towards tuberculosis (TB) elimination has been recognized globally, with a noteworthy 17.7% decline in TB incidence from 2015 to 2023, a rate that is over twice the global average decline of 8.3%, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its Global Tuberculosis Report 2024. This milestone highlights the impact of India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), a comprehensive strategy that combines cutting-edge diagnosis, preventive care, patient support, and cross-sector partnerships to meet the ambitious goal of TB elimination by 2025.

Strategies and Goals for Ending Tuberculosis in India

The SDG target 3.3 aims to “End the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases, and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases by 2030.” India, as a signatory to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs), has pledged to achieve the “End TB” targets by 2025, five years ahead of the SDG deadline of 2030.

The indicators for TB under this target include:

An 80% reduction in the TB incidence rate (new cases per lakh population) compared to 2015 levels.
A 90% reduction in the TB mortality rate compared to 2015 levels.
Zero TB-affected households experiencing catastrophic expenses due to the disease.

The Government’s commitment to “End TB by 2025” was first articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the “End TB Summit” held in New Delhi in March 2018 and was reaffirmed at the “One World TB Summit” in Varanasi on World TB Day 2023. At this summit, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for a decisive and revitalized response to TB. Additionally, India is a signatory to the Gandhinagar Declaration, the joint declaration by the Health Ministers and WHO South-East Asian Regional Office (SEARO), which was signed at the high-level ministerial meeting on “Sustain, Accelerate and Innovate to End TB” in the South-East Asia Region by 2030 in August 2023.

In line with the strong political commitment shown by the Government of India, the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) has been implementing the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB Elimination. The NSP 2017–2025 has made significant progress in narrowing the gap between targets and achievements, and India is one of the first countries to develop a mathematical model for burden estimation.

India’s Approach: National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, India intensified its efforts to eliminate TB through the NTEP, a programme aligned with the National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2017–25. Key achievements in 2023 include around 1.89 crore sputum smear tests and 68.3 lakh nucleic acid amplification tests, which reflect the programme’s commitment to expanding access to diagnosis at all healthcare levels.

In response to evolving medical insights, the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) introduced comprehensive care packages and decentralized TB services, which include an expanded rollout of shorter oral regimens for patients with drug-resistant TB (DR-TB). The program prioritized minimizing treatment delays and enhancing the quality of TB care, with a specific focus on addressing coexisting health conditions such as malnutrition, diabetes, HIV, and substance abuse through a differentiated care approach and by encouraging early diagnosis. Preventive measures remain a central focus of the NTEP’s approach, as the program significantly expanded access to TB preventive treatment (TPT). With a strong commitment from various states, demonstrated a collective resolution to prevent the emergence of TB disease in vulnerable populations. This led to an overall increase to approximately 15 lakhs beneficiaries being provided with TPT including the shorter regimen.

Acknowledging the impact of additional health issues on TB outcomes, the NTEP launched initiatives to tackle these conditions particularly malnutrition, diabetes, HIV, and substance abuse by collaborating with other ministries and departments. These efforts aimed to provide TB patients with more holistic support, thereby improving their overall treatment outcomes.

Strengthening Patient Care Through Supportive Services

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana provides financial support for TB patients by disbursing nearly Rs. 2,781 crores to around 1 crore beneficiaries. New initiatives, including incentivizing treatment supporters and ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, TB Vijeta’s (TB champions) and Ni-kshay SAATHI (Family caregiver model) were aimed to further enhance patient support systems.

The launch of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA) in September 2022 marked a pivotal step toward strengthening community involvement and ownership in the fight against tuberculosis. This initiative received extensive support, with political leaders, government officials, and NGOs actively participating in awareness campaigns and events to amplify its reach. Notably, over 1.5 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras have committed to supporting individuals affected by TB. Advocacy, communication, social mobilization, and community engagement continue to be fundamental aspects of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP), which has been further solidified through PMTBMBA to drive community-based efforts in TB elimination.

The Way Forward: Advancing Towards TB Elimination

To sustain the momentum in the fight towards TB elimination, a variety of interventions are being implemented and are in development for the coming years, including:

Conducting studies on adult BCG vaccination
Expanding and rapidly scaling up Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT), including new and shorter treatment regimens
Increasing access to molecular diagnostic testing for all individuals suspected of having TB, along with comprehensive recording and reporting mechanisms
Decentralizing TB service delivery to “Ayushman Arogya Mandirs”
Enhancing community-based patient support systems through the PMTBMBA initiative

Conclusion

India’s comprehensive TB elimination approach is showing positive results, with significant declines in incidence and a strengthened health response framework. With continued emphasis on cross-sector partnerships, innovative care solutions, and community engagement, India is well-positioned to meet its goal of a TB-free nation by 2025. This progress underscores the country’s commitment to global health initiatives and the power of collaborative, innovative, and patient-centered healthcare strategies in tackling TB on a national scale.

References

https://www.who.int/teams/global-tuberculosis-programme/tb-reports/global-tuberculosis-report-2024

https://www.newsonair.gov.in/pm-modi-says-decline-in-tuberculosis-cases-is-outcome-of-indias-dedicated-and-innovative-efforts/

https://tbcindia.mohfw.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/TB-Report_for-Web_08_10-2024-1.pdf

INDIA TB REPORT 2024

https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/379339/9789240101531-eng.pdf?sequence=1

Click here to download PDF

Indian Coast Guard | 26th National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan Meeting

saurabh

November 6, 2024

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) convened the 26^thNational Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) meeting on November 05, 2024 in New Delhi, to review the nation’s preparedness for responding effectively to oil spill contingencies in Indian waters. It was chaired by Director General Paramesh Sivamani, who is also Chairperson of NOSDCP.

Addressing the gathering, DG ICG reaffirmed the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to deal with regional threats, including marine oil and chemical spills. He highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation among stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, improve coordination, and adopt best practices in emerging technologies.

The volume of oil imports via shipping is increasing as Indian economy is growing fast. This, along with the movement of chemicals and other hazardous materials, presents challenge to India’s maritime zones, extensive coastline, coastal populations, marine ecosystems, and tourism industries. Ensuring robust preparedness among the Central Coordinating Agency, coastal states, ports, and other stakeholders is crucial for protecting marine environment from potential oil spills.

GeM launches 170 Seed Categories on the portal

saurabh

November 6, 2024

On a mission to simplify access to quality agricultural & horticulture seeds, Government e Marketplace (GeM) has revamped & introduced 170 Seed categories on the portal. Created ahead of the upcoming cropping season, the newly populated categories feature nearly 8,000 seed varieties that can be procured by Central/State PSUs and other governing bodies for further dissemination across the country.

Created after consultation with stakeholders including state seed corporations and research bodies, seed categories on GeM portal offer a ready framework for seed procurement, incorporating the extant rules & regulations by Government of India and necessary parameters, easing the entire process for procuring authorities.

The roll out of these new categories is a part of GeM’s broader strategy to promote category based procurement through the portal. With an emphasis on increasing efficiency, category based procurement of seeds aims to reduce time consumed in tendering processes, stimulate transparency & accountability in government procurement, while facilitating increased participation of sellers across the country.

“We invite sellers to leverage these new seed categories and list their offerings to participate freely in government tenders. We also encourage seed corporations/state bodies to utilise these new categories for cost-effective procurement of quality seeds” said Smt. Roli Khare, Deputy CEO, GeM

DSIR successfully conducted Special Campaign 4.0

saurabh

November 6, 2024

Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) along with its Autonomous Body, Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and two PSUs i.e. National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) & Central Electronics Ltd. (CEL), successfully conducted Special Campaign 4.0 from 2nd October 2024 to 31st October 2024 under the active guidance of Secretary, DSIR Dr. (Mrs) N. Kalaiselvi. The Campaign started by the Secretary, DSIR & DG, CSIR with cleanliness drive on 2nd October, 2024 at CSIR Headquarter, Anusandhan Bhavan, New Delhi.

Secretary DSIR & DG, CSIR felicitated Safai Mitrason the occasion of Swachh Bharat Divas (SBD) 2024 at CSIR Hqs on 2^nd October, 2024.Also, as a part of Swachhata Hi Sewa Campaign 2024, Joint Secretary, DSIR felicitated Safai Mitras in DSIR, Technology Bhavan, New Delhi in the Ist week of October, 2024.

‘Shramdaan’ was also organized during the campaign in DSIR’s and CPSEs i.e. Central Electronics Limited (CEL) and National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) and all 37 labs of CSIR across the country wherein officers/staff participated in the cleanliness and plantation drive as part of the ‘EkPedMaaKeNaam’ campaign. Similar plantation drives was carried outat DSIR HQ.

As part of the Special Campaign 4.0, the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), in coordination with the Northern Railways, carried out a cleanliness drive at the New Delhi Railway Station. Dr N Kalaiselvi, Secretary cum DG, CSIR and Shri Mahesh Yadav, Station Director, New Delhi Railway Station lead the cleanliness drive. During the event, the SafaiMitras of New Delhi Railway Station were felicitated by CSIR, underscoring CSIR’s appreciation for the contributions of sanitation workers in maintaining public cleanliness.

Under the active leadership of Secretary, DSIR and close monitoring by Joint Secretary, DSIR who is Nodal Officer of Special Campaign 4.0, this Campaign proved to be very successful. During the Special Campaign period from 2^ndOctober, 2024 to 31^stOctober, 2024, focus was given to reduce pendency of PGs and enhance the overall cleanliness in and around office premises as well as improving work environment in the Department and its organizations.

Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) has successfully achieved 100 per cent targets of disposing of the pendency of IMC references, public grievances, appeals and record management.

As a part of the campaign 9,120 physical files were reviewed, 4488 physical files were weeded, 85 cleanliness campaigns were conducted, total of Rs.19,04,125/- revenue was generated from scrap disposal and total area of 39,230 Sq. ft. of space was freed by way of scrap disposal and weeding out of files.

As we look ahead, DSIR remain committed to zero pendency, gradual increase of digitization of processes and enhancement of the overall service delivery experience of its stakeholders. The impact and special efforts of special campaign 4.0 will be a continuous process and this momentum will be maintained in the months to come.

Dr Jitendra Singh to Launch Nationwide Digital Life Certificate Campaign

saurabh

November 6, 2024

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

The Nation-wide Digital Life Certificate campaign 3.0 being conducted by DoPPW in 800 cities/ Districts across India from November 1-30, 2024 is being launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh, MOS today at National Media Centre, New Delhi.

Pensioners have to submit Life Certificate annually for continuation of pension. Traditionally LCs were submitted in physical mode which was inconvenient for pensioners. In November, 2014 an Aadhar based scheme for online submission of digital life certificate, Jeevan Pramaan, was launched by the Prime Minister with the objective to ensure transparency in the system and facilitate pensioners to submit life certificates at their comfort, thus greatly enhancing their Ease of Living.

To spread awareness about the benefits of Digital Life Certificates and techniques for generating the same, a Nation-wide DLC Campaign was held for Central Government Pensioners, from 1st to 30th November, 2022 at 37 cities. The DLC Campaign 2.0 was held at 597 locations in 100 cities in November, 2023 under which a total of 1.47 crore DLCs were generated, of which, 45.46 lakh were of Central Government Pensioners. 25.41 lakh DLCs were generated using Face Authentication technique and more than 30,500 pensioners above 90 years of age availed the benefit of DLCs.

This year, DoPPW will be conducting the 3^rd Nation-wide Digital Life Certificate campaign which will be held in 800 cities/ Districts across India from November 1-30, 2024. For this, the department has notified the guidelines through O.M. dated 9^th August, 2024. Dedicated DLC portal has been created with mapping of 800 Districts, 1900 camp locations and 1000 nodal officers.

The Campaign will be held in collaboration with Pension Disbursing Banks, India Post Payments Bank, Pensioners’ Welfare Associations, CGDA, DoT, Railways with the aim of touching all the pensioners in remotest corners of the country and extensive outreach meetings along with trainings have been held with all stakeholders. MeitY and UIDAI will provide full technical support during this Campaign.

IPPB will be holding Camps at 785 districts through its vast network of 1.8 lakh postmen and Gramin Dak Sewaks. IPPB provides doorstep DLC services which is available to all categories of Pensioners across the country.

19 Pension Disbursing Banks will also hold camps at 150 cities at more than 750 locations. Visits will be made to the homes/hospitals for aged/disabled/sick pensioners, thus affording them the ease of digitally submitting life certificates. These steps are aimed at ensuring that all pensioners benefit from the Campaign and is particularly helpful to the super senior pensioners.

57 Pensioners’ Welfare Associations, registered with DoPPW, will play a crucial role in the campaign by organizing camps and also mobilizing pensioners for the camps which will be held by IPPB and Pension Disbursing Banks.

The focus is majorly on promoting Face Authentication Technology. MeitY and UIDAI will provide technical support during this Campaign. Face Authentication has been made more seamless and convenient for the elderly Pensioners and can be used on Android as well as iOS. The benefits of Digital mode of Life Certificate generation (Jeevan Pramaan) are being availed by pensioners of other organizations also such as State Governments, EPFO and Autonomous bodies etc.

DD, AIR and PIB teams are fully geared up to provide full support to this campaign for Audio, Visual and Print publicity. Outreach efforts are further complemented by SMSs, tweets (#DLCCampaign3), Jingles and Short films to spread awareness about the campaign. This will be the largest ever digital empowerment campaign and seeks to achieve maximum outreach to all the categories of the Pensioners.

5th Edition of Vietnam Indian Bilateral Army Exercise- VINBAX 2024 commences

saurabh

November 6, 2024

Flag-Pins-India-Vietnam-indianbureaucracy

The 5^th Edition of Vietnam Indian Bilateral Army Exercise “VINBAX 2024” commenced at Ambala. The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 04 to 23 November 2024 at Ambala and Chandimandir. The exercise is a sequel to previously conducted bilateral exercise in Vietnam in 2023 and a major milestone in strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Vietnam.

This edition marks a significant increase in the scope with Bi Service level participation for the first time by personnel of Army and Air Force from both the countries. The Indian Army contingent comprising 47 personnel is being represented by a Regiment of the Corps of Engineers along with personnel from other arms and services. The Vietnamese contingent comprising of similar strength will be represented by the troops Vietnam People’s Army.

The aim of VINBAX-2024 is to enhance joint military capability of both sides in employment and deployment of Engineer Company and Medical Teams to undertake engineering tasks as part of United Nation Contingent in Peace Keeping Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.

The conduct of VINBAX-2024 as a field training exercise with enhanced scope from previous editions of bilateral exercise will strengthen mutual confidence, interoperability and enable sharing of best practices between the Indian Army and Vietnam People’s Army. A 48 hours Validation Exercise with Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief demonstration and equipment display is also part of the schedule to assess the standards achieved by both contingents while executing technical military operations under similar scenarios in UN missions. The joint exercise will also provide an opportunity to the troops of both the Contingents to learn about the social and cultural heritages of each other.

CDS Gen Anil Chauhan concludes visit to Algeria

saurabh

November 5, 2024

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan led a high-ranking Indian military delegation on an official visit to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria from 31 Oct – 03 Nov 2024. The visit was part of a broader endeavour to strengthen India-Algeria relations which have seen increasing cooperation in recent years, particularly in the areas of trade, education, technology and defence.

In a significant step, Gen Anil Chauhan and his counterpart, General of Army Said Chanegriha, Chief of Staff of Algerian People’s National Army signed a milestone Memorandum in Defence cooperation between India and Algeria. This Memorandum represents not only a step forward in bilateral military cooperation but also lays down the foundation for long-term collaboration across a variety of sectors.

The CDS complimented General Said Chanegriha, on the high standards of the military parade and commemorative events of 01 Nov 2024, marking the 70^th Anniversary of Algeria’s Glorious Revolution, a pivotal moment in Algeria’s history.

Gen Chauhan interacted with the Director of the Higher War College and addressed senior officers of the of the People’s National Army. He underscored the shared history of both nations, fostering a bond based on similar values and principles. CDS highlighted the dividends of geography of both Algeria and India in their global aspirations, stating, “the core strategic outlook of a nation is shaped by its geography and historical experience”.

CDS called for peaceful resolution of global conflicts. He said, “India always supports peaceful resolution to global conflicts. India has re-established its Defence Wing in Algeria and welcomes the re-opening of Defence Wing of Algeria in India”. Giving an overview of India’s National Security Strategy, CDS said, “In today’s complex geopolitical construct, India understands her responsibilities and desires to engage as a ‘Vishwa-Bandhu’ – a reliable partner for the world”. He highlighted the agreement in the field of space sciences and the major strides taken by India in technology development.

Gen Chauhan added that the Indian Armed Forces are undergoing transformation and are ready to share their experiences with the People’s National Army of Algeria. He emphasised upon India’s increasing defence production capability under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ programmes.

India and Algeria share a commitment to self-determination, respect for sovereignty, and mutual support in multilateral domains. As regional leaders in South Asia and North Africa, both countries bring unique strategic advantages to the partnership, contributing to a more balanced and multipolar global order. The high level visit complements the recently concluded visit by the President of India to Algeria, underscoring the strong political will on both sides to deepen diplomatic, military and strategic cooperation.

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