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Second Regional Event of ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ to be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday

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The second regional event of the year-long celebration, ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ campaign is being organised under the aegis of Designing Innovative solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA), a Central Sector Scheme implemented by Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India.  The event is set to take place on 16th July 2024 at the Allahabad Medical Association Convention Centre in Prayagraj, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution and India as a Republic.

This event will feature the distribution of prizes to the winners of the online competitions held from 24th January to 23rd April 2024 on the MyGov platform. The competitions include the Samvidhan Quiz, Panch Pran Rangotsav (Poster-making), and Panch Pran Anubhav (Reel-making). Additionally, probono advocates panel of the Hon’ble High Court of Judicature at Allahabad registered under the Nyaya Bandhu programme of the Department of Justice will be recognized and felicitated for their significant contributions in encouraging a large number of advocates to enroll for pro bono services.

In an effort to enhance citizen participation, the ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ portal will be launched at the event. This portal will serve as a repository of knowledge, providing citizens with easy access to information to create awareness about the Constitution and legal rights. It will also feature glimpses of the activities carried out under the campaign.  Additionally, it will also consist of an event calendar and tools to make learning about constitutional rights interactive and participative through a community-based collaborative approach. 

The event will be graced by the presence of the Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arun Ram Meghwal, and the Honourable Chief Justice of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Shri Justice Arun Bhansali. Approximately 800 participants, including advocates from the Allahabad Bar, government counsels, judicial officers, village-level entrepreneurs from Common Service Centers, the vice-chancellor, faculty and law students from Rajendra Prasad National Law Institute, Prayagraj, senior officials from the Central and State administration, and citizens will attend the event, in person besides several citizens and stakeholders of DoJ who will join digitally.

The ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ campaign was inaugurated at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi by the Hon’ble Vice-President of India on 24th January 2024. The campaign aims to popularize the understanding of the Constitution and awareness about legal rights. Going forward, it was decided that this campaign needs to be organised at regional levels to increase the participation and inclusivity.  Accordingly, first regional event was inaugurated by Honourable Chief Justice of India, Shri Justice D.Y.Chandrachud, in Bikaner, Rajasthan on 9th March 2024. 

Some key milestones for this pan-India campaign include:

  • Commemorating ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ at the regional level.
  • Promoting and spreading awareness about the Constitution in simplified ways for the local populace.
  • Organizing and popularizing sub-campaigns such as Sabko Nyaya Har Ghar Nyaya, Nav Bharat Nav Sankalp, and Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyaan.
  • Encouraging citizens to actively participate on the ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ portal.
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NITI Aayog Unveils GearShift Challenge to Accelerate Zero-Emission Truck Adoption in India

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NITI Aayog, in collaboration with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India, announced the launch of the NITI GearShift Challenge as part of the e-FAST India initiative. This pioneering hackathon aims to foster innovative business models for the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India, addressing the nation’s pressing economic and environmental challenges.

The NITI GearShift Challenge invites students, transport service practitioners, academics, and researchers to develop innovative business models that address financial, technical, and operational challenges in the adoption of electric trucks. The program has garnered participation from e-FAST India knowledge partners, financial institutions, and industry forums.

The hackathon will unfold in two rounds. In Round 1, teams will submit their initial business models addressing a specific barrier—technical, operational, or financial—supported by high-level strategies and research. Shortlisted teams in Round 2 will present detailed business models with an implementation roadmap, backed by both primary and secondary research. These proposals will be mentored by industry leaders to ensure practical and impactful solutions.

India’s freight sector is vital to the economy, ensuring the smooth delivery of goods to over 1.4 billion people. With road freight accounting for a staggering 55% of India’s annual diesel consumption and nearly 40% of CO2 emissions from road transport, there is an urgent need to transition to more sustainable solutions. The electrification of freight transportation is a key priority, as electric trucks offer a transformative opportunity to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance energy security.

The GearShift Challenge marks a pivotal move towards sustainable freight transportation in India. By tapping into the creativity and expertise of participants, the hackathon aims to generate practical solutions that will accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucks, thereby benefiting both the economy and the environment.

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BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi

by Today's Fables

Foreign Ministers from the BIMSTEC Member States paid a joint call on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.

PM had fruitful discussions with the group of Ministers on further strengthening the regional cooperation in diverse areas including connectivity, energy, trade, health, agriculture, science, security and people to people exchanges. He stressed on the role of BIMSTEC as an engine for economic and social growth.

He reaffirmed India’s commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, resilient and safe BIMSTEC region and highlighted its significance to India’s Neighbourhood First and Look East Policies as well as in its SAGAR vision for Security and Growth for All in the Region.

PM expressed India’s full support to Thailand for the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit to be held in September.

DAY-NRLM has mobilised more than 10.04 crore women into over 90.76 lakh self-help groups: Shri Charanjit Singh

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Additional Secretary, Rural Livelihoods, Ministry of Rural Development Shri Charanjit Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fight the twin challenges of climate change and poverty by providing inclusive livelihoods to the last mile. Shri Charanjit Singh made these remarks at the exclusive Reimagining Poverty Alleviation in India roundtable organised by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) South Asia at New Delhi yesterday.

“No one should be left behind” as the government works towards realising the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047”,  Shri Charanjit Singh said. He added that there is an urgent need to address the unique challenges faced by the poor women, which can often vary from State to State. The knowledge of the local community is vital to identify and solve such challenges. Speaking of MoRD’s innovative partnerships under DAY-NRLM, Shri Singh emphasised on the need and significance of multi-stakeholder collaborations to reach people at the last mile to end poverty. “If we work together, we can make a lot of difference,” he said.

Shri Singh informed that DAY-NRLM has mobilised more than 10.04 crore women into over 90.76 lakh self-help groups. It promotes financial inclusion, digital literacy, sustainable livelihoods and social development interventions. A holistic and inclusive approach to livelihood development for women has been a key feature of DAY-NRLM.

Speaking at the event, Joint Secretary, Rural Livelihoods, Ministry of Rural Development Ms Smriti Sharan said that ministry has been working in close collaboration with State governments to ensure effective implementation of the innovative projects in this field which are an adaptation of the Graduation Approach. These have been designed to put rural women on the path to self-sufficiency. The States have been adapting the program based on their priority areas. They are also working towards ensuring the poor households are brought under other social protection programmes. Stressing the need of scientific evidence and data as well as technology to tackle the multidimensional nature of poverty, Ms Smriti Sharan said that we have to move beyond the definition of monetary poverty.

J-PAL co-founder and Nobel Laureate Shri Abhijit Banerjee said that the Graduation Approach model can play a vital role in protecting the poor. These people are excluded but as soon as they get a chance, they begin taking charge of their lives.

Graduation Approach is a holistic livelihoods programme developed by NGO BRAC. It is among the most rigorously tested social protection programmes in the world today. Seven randomised evaluations by researchers affiliated with J-PAL and Innovations for Poverty Action have found the Graduation Approach to be effective in lifting the poor households out of poverty. It has reached more than 3 million households across 15 countries.

The roundtable was attended by representatives from MoRD, JEEViKA, BRAC, BMGF, World Bank and The/Nudge Institute among others. J-PAL co-founder and Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee also shared his insights and lessons from studying the effects of the Graduation Approach for approximately two decades.

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Bilateral meeting between India and Bhutan on Air quality, Climate change, Forests, Natural resources, renewable energy sources and wildlife

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A delegation from the Royal Government of Bhutan, headed by Mr Gem Tshering, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Government of Bhutan met Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and discussed issues related to air quality, climate change, forests, natural resources, wildlife and renewable energy.

Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh thanked the Bhutanese Minister on joining the International Big Cat Alliance, a global initiative of India. He stated that both countries share same geography, ecosystem, as well as common values of democracy. He further stated that climate change is a common concern for both the countries.

Mr. Tshering informed about successfully hosting the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscape Conference in April 2024 in Paro. He stated that Bhutan is already a carbon negative country and obtains its major share of energy from hydropower.

Both sides agreed to work together in the areas of climate change, air quality, forest, wildlife management, and capacity building in the field of environment and climate change. India suggested to hold the Joint Working Group Meeting.

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Indian delegation visits Doha for India-Qatar Joint Working Group Meeting

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An Indian delegation comprising of officers from Department of Commerce and other Ministries and organizations held a Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting with Qatari side in Doha on 10th July, 2024.

Both sides also reviewed the progress of ongoing discussions for Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) on Food Safety and Cooperation in exchange of pre-arrival information for facilitation of trade and customs control on goods and agreed to conclude them expeditiously. Both sides agreed to expeditiously address all issues impeding bilateral trade and facilitate trade promotion between the two countries.

Both sides discussed the possible mechanism to activate the Joint Business Council to carry out its assigned role in following up and implementing the private sector’s visions and proposals for trade and investment cooperation.

Both sides undertook a detailed review of recent developments in bilateral trade and economic cooperation and noted that the relationship has a huge potential to be scaled up even further. To this effect, both sides identified several areas of focus for enhancing both bilateral trade as well as mutually beneficial cooperation sectors. These include Gems and Jewellery, cooperation between customs authorities, trade in local currency, pharmaceuticals, food processing and food security, cooperation in MSME, etc.

The JWG meeting was co-chaired by Economic Advisor, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Ms. Priya P. Nair and Director of International Cooperation and Trade Agreements at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of the State of Qatar, Mr. Saleh Al-Mana.

Bilateral trade between India and Qatar stood at USD 14.08 billion in 2023-24. India is the second largest trading partner to Qatar. Both sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the JWG in 2025, in New Delhi. The deliberations of the first session of India-Qatar JWG were cordial and forward-looking, reflecting the friendly and special relations between the two countries.

GeM records 136 percent quarter-on-quarter growth over last year’s Gross Merchandise Value

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Government e Marketplace (GeM) has clocked a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of ₹1,24,761 Lakh crore at the end of first quarter (Q1).

In Q1, FY 24-25 services segment has been the prime mover clocking a GMV of more than ₹80,500 crore representing a growth of 330% over corresponding period in FY 23-24.

Procurement by Central Ministries including CPSEs surpassed ₹1 Lakh crore milestone in this period with Ministries of Coal, Defence and Petroleum & Gas emerging as the top procurers in this quarter. Of this ₹1 Lakh crore GMV, CPSEs share accounted for more than ₹ 91,000 Crore.

“In Q1 FY 23-24, procurement by Central Government bodies stood at ₹42,500 Crore.

Carrying forward its vision of reaching out to the last mile sellers and with an aim to further simplify public procurement, GeM is planning to roll out ‘GeM SAHAYAK’ program which aims at creating a PAN INDIA network of 6-7000 trained and certified accredited trainers who would then offer their services to potential and existing GeM Sellers in navigating on GeM and enhancing business opportunities. Buyers too will benefit from the services of these SAHAYAKS in terms of creation of bids and other value-added services.

Another major initiative taken by GeM to facilitate Ease of Doing Business on GeM is the drastic reduction in quantum of Transaction charges leviable on Sellers.

GeM launched its signature initiative called “The Aabhar Collection” as part of its #Vocalforlocal outlet store marketplace. 

“Launch of Aabhar collection marks an important milestone in enhancing visibility of indigenous arts & crafts and showcasing the rich tapestry of Indian heritage and culture and providing empowerment of our underserved seller groups through the network of Central and State Handicraft and handloom emporiums” highlighted Shri Prashant Kumar Singh, CEO-GeM.

Continuing into this fiscal year, awareness, out-reach and capacity-building initiatives were further strengthened and GeM entered into MoUs with Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DICCI), Assam Startup Nest and North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi) and have also conducted more than 320 training sessions for Buyers and Sellers across the country. GeM’s recently-launched interactive & multilingual training courses also witnessed remarkable user registration with 1,172 Buyers and 3,393 Sellers enrolled in the courses within just four months since its launch.

To maintain its pole position in the public procurement space, GeM is all set to deploy its generative AI-based chatbot called “GeMAI” in the coming quarter.

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Department of Fisheries to organise Fisheries Summer Meet 2024 on 12th July 2024 at Madurai, Tamil Nadu

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India is the 2nd largest fish producing country with around 8% share in global fish production. Globally, India also stands 2nd in aquaculture production, is one of the top shrimp producing and exporting nations and 3rd largest capture fisheries producer.

The aforesaid achievements are a cumulative effect of several transformational initiatives for holistic development of fisheries and aquaculture sector. Recognizing the immense potential of the fisheries and aquaculture sector and for focused and holistic development, Govt of India (GoI) approved the highest ever investments in fisheries and aquaculture sector. 

The total investment of Rs 38,572 crore investment includes financial assistance for impactful projects and initiatives through Department of Fisheries (DoF), GoI schemes namely the Blue Revolution Scheme (Rs. 5,000 crore), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF, Rs. 7,522 crore), Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY, Rs. 20,050 crore) and a sub-scheme under PMMSY – Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY, Rs 6000 crore) approved in Feb 2024.

To foster consultation with States/UTs, exhibit the contributions made by fish farmers, entrepreneurs and fishermen for the development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector and raise awareness about various DoF (GoI) initiatives, ‘Fisheries Summer Meet 2024’ is being organised on 12th July 2024 at Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

The Fisheries Summer Meet 2024 is being organized by DoF (GoI) under the leadership of Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh along with the gracious presence of Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Prof. S.P Singh Baghel & Shri George Kurian and Minister of Fisheries, Govt of Tamil Nadu Shri Anitha R. Radhakrishnan. The meet will also see distinguished presence of State Fisheries ministers from various states/UTs and other key delegates.  

The key highlights will be a fisheries exhibition, State / UT wise discussions by Ministers, virtual inauguration of Fisheries’ Projects and interaction with fishermen/fisherwomen, distribution of KCC to beneficiaries and PMMSY achievement award letters to beneficiaries, felicitation of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) on boarded Fish Farmer Producer Organization (FFPOs) among others.

DRDO sanctions seven new projects to the private sector under Technology Development Fund scheme

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Providing impetus to Aatmanirbharta, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded seven new projects to industries under the Technology Development Fund scheme for various requirements of the Armed Forces and aerospace & defence sectors. These project sanctions are a testimony to the continuing endeavour of DRDO in nurturing Industries, especially MSMEs & start-ups, in defence and aerospace domains. The indigenous development of these technologies will strengthen the military industrial ecosystem. The details of the sanctioned projects are given below:

1.Indigenous Scenario and Sensor Simulation Toolkit

The project involves development of an indigenous toolkit for simulator training of pilots in realistic scenarios. This will help in full mission planning and large force engagement. The project has been awarded to start-up, Oxygen 2 Innovation Pvt Ltd, Noida.

2.Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

The project relates to a versatile marine battlefield accessories which can be deployed in multiple combat roles. The objective is Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). The project has been awarded to Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd Pune.

3.Long-range Remotely Operated Vehicles for Detection & Neutralisation

The vehicles are dual-use systems that will enable detection, classification, localisation & neutralisation of underwater objects while keeping the key assets away from the suspected operational area. The project has been awarded to a start-up, IROV Technologies Pvt Limited, Kochi.

4.Development of Ice Detection Sensor for Aircraft

The project aims to develop detecting icing condition inflight, caused by super cooled water droplets that freezes after their impact against the aircraft external surfaces and is utilised by the aircraft for turning on the aircraft Anti-icing mechanism. It has been awarded to Craftlogic Labs Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru.

5.Development of Radar Signal Processor with Active Antenna Array Simulator

The project will enable deployment of multiple target system for test and evaluation of multiple short range aerial weapon system. It serves as the basic building block for larger radar systems. The project has been sanctioned to Data Pattern (India) Limited, Chennai.

6.Development of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-based Timing Acquisition & Dissemination System

The project has been sanctioned to Accord Software & Systems Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru. It aims to enable indigenisation of timing acquisition and dissemination system, use of Indian Constellation for acquiring time & development of customised and flexible timing system as per range requirements.

7.Development of Graphene Based Smart & E-textiles for Multifunctional Wearable Applications

The start-up, Alohatech Private Limited, Coimbatore has been sanctioned the project. It will develop a conductive yarn and fabric-making processes using graphene nanomaterials and conductive inks. The outcome will be advanced nanocomposite materials-based E-textiles utilising the inherent advantages for practical clothing applications.