Shri Kumar Pal Gautam IAS (Rajasthan 2009) presently Commissioner, Rajasthan Housing Board, Jaipur, has been transferred and posted as Commissioner, Skill, Employment and Enterprises.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Kumar Pal Gautam the very best.
Yogesh Dadhich IPS posted as DIGP- SOG, Jaipur
Shri Yogesh Dadhich IPS (Rajasthan 2010) Superintendent Of Police, Bhiwadi, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Inspector General Of Police, S.O.G., Jaipur.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Yogesh Dadhich the very best.
Naveen Mahajan IAS posted as CMD, Rajasthan State Warehousing Corporation
Shri Naveen Mahajan IAS (Rajasthan 1997) presently DG, Harish Chandra Mathur Rajasthan State Institute of Public Administration and ex-officio Principal Secretary, Training, Jaipur, has been transferred and posted as CMD, Rajasthan State Warehousing Corporation, Jaipur.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Naveen Mahajan the very best.
Dinesh Kumar IAS posted as Principal Secretary- Revenue and Colonisation Deptt, Jaipur
Shri Dinesh Kumar IAS (Rajasthan 1996) presently ACS, GAD, Cabinet Secretariat, State Motor Garage and Civil Aviation Deptt and ex-officio Chief Of Protocol and DG, Civil Aviation, Jaipur, has been transferred and posted as Principal Secretary, Revenue and Colonisation Department, Jaipur.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Dinesh Kumar the very best.
Dark Patterns Buster Hackathon 2023 Concludes at IIT BHU, Winners will be felicitated on World Consumer Rights Day
The primary objective of the Dark Patterns Buster Hackathon (DPBH-2023), a Government of India initiative under the Department of Consumer Affairs, is to combat deceptive online practices known as Dark Patterns by fostering the development of innovative software solutions. These solutions not only enhance digital transparency and deliver real-time alerts to empower individuals against deceptive practices for a safer online environment but also provide the government with crucial real-time data, identifying emerging dark patterns.
IndianBureaucracy, Varanasi – The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, hosted the Dark Patterns Buster Hackathon (DPBH-2023) grand finale at IIT BHU, addressing deceptive online practices. Led by Shri Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary DoCA, the event drew 500+ students from 50 premier engineering colleges including IITs and NITs and 150 experts, highlighting a nationwide commitment to combat digital deception in collaboration with IIT (BHU) and engaging over 150 colleges and 40,000+ students nationwide.
Launched on 26th October 2023, DPBH-2023 spanned four rounds, challenging participants to design and prototype innovative app or software-based solutions capable of detecting various dark patterns on e-commerce platforms. Dark patterns are deceptive user interfaces intended to trick users into taking actions they might not otherwise perform, adversely impacting the online consumer experience.
Secretary DoCA, Shri Rohit Kumar Singh, praised the students for their commitment and determination, lauding their solutions that surpassed the problem statement. The proposed solutions are not confined to detecting dark patterns but are poised to be game-changers in regulating other deceptive online practices, such as fake reviews, online traps, and misleading advertisements.
The Secretary emphasized the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mitigating dark patterns and encouraged participants to harness evolving technologies while maintaining ethical standards. He highlighted the potential impact of these solutions, not only in alerting consumers about specific dark patterns but also in providing real-time data to the government and identifying emerging dark patterns.
The DPBH-2023 projects employed diverse technologies and approaches, addressing 13 specified dark patterns identified by the Department of Consumer Affairs. Notable innovations included a browser extension utilising a 7 billion-parameter Large Language Model (LARA) for precise detection, serverless architectures for real-time analysis, modular approaches integrating text and visual analysis, and web and mobile platform solutions utilising machine learning for data analysis.
These solutions extend beyond mere consumer alerts, providing the government with valuable real-time data and identification of emerging dark patterns. The projects, with their focus on enhancing digital transparency, empowering users, and fostering a safer online environment, directly contribute to the overarching goal of the hackathon—combating dark patterns in the digital realm.
The collaborative efforts of students, educators, and industry experts showcased in DPBH-2023 underline its significance. The hackathon not only fosters innovation but also cultivates a culture of ethical digital practices, gaining global recognition. The efforts of the students received applause in a webinar organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on “AI and Dark Patterns.”
The awards ceremony and the distribution of cash prizes are scheduled for 15th March 2024, on World Consumer Rights Day. The event’s conclusion will mark a celebration of the participants’ achievements and further the cause of consumer rights in the evolving digital landscape.
Dignitaries who addressed the event included Professor MK Meshram of IIT(BHU)’s Electronics Engineering Department, Professor Vikas Kumar Dubey, Dean of R&D at IIT(BHU), Shri Anupam Mishra, Joint Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs, and Dr. NS Rajput, the convener of DPBH-2023 and Associate Professor in Electronics Engineering, IIT(BHU).
APEDA Boosts the Export of Highly Perishable Indian Bananas to Moscow via Sea Route
India successfully exported 20 metric tonnes of perishable Indian bananas to Russia via the sea route, employing a public-private cooperation model led by APEDA, CISH, and M/s. Gurukrupa Corporation Pvt. Ltd., with the aim of expanding agricultural exports. This achievement enhances India’s global presence and sets the stage for possibilities to export a wider variety of perishable fruits via sea, thereby increasing income, livelihoods, and employment opportunities especially within the banana supply chain. APEDA actively supports exporters with financial assistance and encourages the use of innovative shipping methods, especially for women entrepreneurs.
IndianBureaucracy, Mumbai – The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the export of 20 MT (1540 boxes) of bananas from India to Russia via Sea through M/s. Gurukrupa Corporation Pvt. Ltd., a Mumbai-based exporter of fruits and vegetables with a track record of exporting to the EU and the Middle East. The consignment was flagged off from Maharashtra by APEDA Chairman Shri Abhishek Dev in collaboration with the Central Institute of Sub-tropical Horticulture (CISH). APEDA emphasised the sea protocol developed by CISH to maintain fruit quality during transit.
Chairman APEDA encouraged exporters to use innovative shipping methods to reach new destinations, with APEDA’s support. He highlighted the financial assistance scheme, with special emphasis on supporting women entrepreneurs. APEDA commended CISH for developing sea protocols and congratulated all involved in the successful flag-off.
Russia has expressed interest in procuring tropical fruits from India, particularly bananas, a major agricultural import for Russia, previously sourced mainly from Ecuador in Latin America.
The flagged-off consignment by M/s. Gurukrupa Corporation Pvt. Ltd., a registered exporter with APEDA, sourced bananas directly from Andhra Pradesh farmers. After harvesting, the bananas were processed in an APEDA-approved packhouse in Maharashtra before being transported to JNPT for shipment to Novorossiysk port, Russia.
Indian bananas are regularly exported to countries such as Iran, Iraq, UAE, Oman, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Afghanistan, and the Maldives. Opportunities also exist in the USA, Russia, Japan, Germany, China, the Netherlands, the UK, and France.
India, led by Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, contributes 67% to the country’s banana production. Despite being the global leader in banana production, India’s export share is only 1%, amounting to USD 176 million in the fiscal year 2022-23.
India aims to achieve a USD 1 billion target in banana exports within the next five years. This initiative is expected to boost farmer income, improve livelihoods for over 25,000 farmers, and create employment for more than 50,000 individuals in the supply chain.
The increase in agricultural and processed food exports is a result of APEDA’s initiatives, including B2B exhibitions, market exploration campaigns, and collaboration with Indian Embassies. APEDA is committed to promoting exports, especially of fresh fruits and vegetables, to distant destinations by developing sea protocols to preserve their quality.
Ninth round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions garners forty bids in its offline format
The Ministry of Coal has received an overwhelming response for the coal mines offered under the 9th round of commercial coal mine auctions. A total of 40 bids have been received in offline form.
The Ninth round of commercial coal mine auctions was launched by the Nominated Authority, Ministry of Coal on December 20, 2023, for 32 coal mines. The last date for submission of bids was February 19, 2024. A total of 33 bids have been received under 19th/9th tranche of auctions where 2 or more bids have been received for 8 coal mines and single bids have been received for 5 coal mines. Further, 7 bids have been received under second attempt of 17th/7th tranche of auction against 3 coal mines.
The online bids received as part of the auction process along with the offline bids submitted at the office of Nominated Authority will be opened on February 20, 2024, in presence of bidders.
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi takes charge as Vice Chief of the Army Staff
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi assumed the position of Vice Chief of the Army Staff on February 19, 2024. Prior to this, he held the role of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command from 2022 to 2024, operating in highly challenging environments. Commissioned into 18 JAMMU & KASHMIR RIFLES in 1984, he later commanded the same unit. With a balanced exposure to both Northern and Western Theatres, his 39-year career includes command appointments in diverse operational settings across the country. Notably, he commanded the Rising Star Corps along the Western Borders and the prestigious Northern Army from 2022-2024.
During his tenure as Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi played a crucial role in strategic guidance, operational oversight, and negotiations with China to resolve border issues. Actively engaged in ongoing negotiations, he also focused on modernization and indigenous equipment induction as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Additionally, he fostered convergent Nation-Building outcomes and infrastructure development in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
His career features significant staff appointments in Headquarters Armoured Brigade, Mountain Division, Strike Corps, and Integrated HQ (Army). As Director General Infantry, he accelerated capital procurement for the three services, enhancing the Armed Forces’ capabilities. In the role of Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information System & Coordination), he championed automation and the adoption of ‘Critical and Emerging Technologies’ like Big Data Analytics, AI, Quantum, and Blockchain-based solutions.
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi’s instructional appointments include tenures at Infantry School and Army War College, Mhow. Internationally, he served in Somalia as part of HQ UNOSOM II and Seychelles as the Military Advisor to the Government of Seychelles. Educationally accomplished, he attended the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington & Higher Command Course at AWC, Mhow. Conferred ‘Distinguished Fellow’ at USAWC, Carlisle, USA, he holds an M Phil in Defence & Management Studies and two Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.
In his new role as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi succeeds Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar. With a wealth of experience in operations, intelligence, logistics, force structuring, and modernization, he continues to contribute to the leadership and strategic direction of the Indian Army.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi the very best.
PM Modi dedicates transmission systems for Renewable Energy in Rajasthan
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Transmission System Strengthening Scheme, aimed at enhancing power evacuation from SEZ in Rajasthan (8.1 GW) during Phase-II Part A, along with the Transmission System connecting RE projects in Bikaner (PG), Fatehgarh-II & Bhadla–II on February 16, 2024. Executed by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna CPSU under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, the initiative supports India’s ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030, with a focus on 100 GW solar and 60 GW wind power.
The transmission system under Phase II strengthens power evacuation from solar energy zones in Rajasthan (11.1 GW, including 3 GW intra-state), covering Bhadla, Fatehgarh, Ramgarh, and Bikaner. The plan includes the establishment of high-capacity 765 kV and 400 kV transmission systems, connecting Bhadla-II, Fatehgarh-II, Sikar, and Khetri, and introducing new substations at Sikar-II, Narela, Bikaner-II, and Fatehgarh-III.
Key components of the transmission scheme involve the Fatehgarh-III new substation, Fatehgarh-III – Fatehgarh-II 400 kV D/C line, and Fatehgarh-III – Jaisalmer-II 400 kV D/C line, facilitating the transfer of power from RE sources in Rajasthan for distribution to end-users. The project also includes the extension of existing substations at Fatehgarh-II (Jaisalmer), Bhadla-II (Jodhpur), and Bikaner (PG).
As of January 31, 2024, POWERGRID’s total transmission assets, including 1,76,762 circuit km of transmission lines, 276 substations, and a transformation capacity of 5,20,546 MVA, reflect a commitment to maintaining system availability above 99.8% through advanced maintenance techniques, automation, and digitization.
Dipankar Gogoi IRTS posted as Joint Secretary- Transport Dept & MD- Assam State Transport Corporation
Shri Dipankar Gogoi IRTS (RR 2017), is posted as Joint Secretary – Transport Department and Managing Director- Assam State Transport Corporation.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Dipankar Gogoi the very best.
Rahul Chandra Das ACS transferred as Joint Secretary- Sports & Youth Welfare Dept, Assam
Shri Rahul Chandra Das ACS (DR-2004) presently Joint Secretary- Transport Department, MD- ASTC and Secretary- Assam State Youth Commission (addl.) is transferred and posted as Joint Secretary – Sports & Youth Welfare Department and OSD- Khelo India.
He will continue to hold the additional charge of Secretary, Assam State Youth Commission.
IndianBureaucracy.com wishes Shri Rahul Chandra Das the very best.
President of India confers RPSF Constable Shashikant Kumar with Jeevan Raksha Padak
Hon’ble President of India has conferred the prestigious ‘Jeevan Raksha Padak‘ to Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) constable Sh. Shashikant Kumar for the year 2023, on the occasion of Republic Day 2024. His remarkable courage, quick thinking, and prompt action in saving the life of a female railway passenger has earned him this esteemed recognition.
On June 8, 2023, at Prayagraj Chheoki Railway Station, Sh. Shashikant Kumar demonstrated exceptional bravery when he witnessed a female passenger in grave danger. The passenger was attempting to deboard from a moving train when she slipped and fell into the gap between the train and the platform and was about to come under the wheels of the running train. Without hesitation, Kumar sprang into action, risking his own safety to save the life of the distressed passenger.
Kumar’s swift and decisive intervention prevented a potentially fatal accident, showcasing his dedication to protect the lives of railway passengers. His selfless act reflects the highest ideals of service and commitment to duty upheld by the Railway Protection Special Force. The ‘Jeevan Raksha Padak’ is a testament to Sh. Shashikant Kumar’s exemplary courage and steadfast commitment to public safety. His bravery serves as an inspiration to his fellow colleagues and stands as a shining example of the noble values embodied by the RPSF.