GoI Unveils a Ground Breaking Initiative to Support Divyang Borrowers
Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India unveiled a ground breaking initiative to support divyang borrowers.
In a bid to further enhance financial inclusion and foster economic empowerment among the divyangjan, Aggarwal announced 1% interest rate rebate under NDFDC loan for timely repayment, subject to specific terms and conditions. This gesture is aimed at reducing the financial burden on divyang individuals seeking financial assistance and encouraging responsible repayment practices.
Cheques were given by Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to 8 divyang loan beneficiaries. This step reflects the government's unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity and ensuring that every citizen, irrespective of abilities, has equal access to financial opportunities.
India Holds '2+2' Ministerial Dialogue with the US
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met their counterparts from the US government, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken respectively, for the fifth 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in New Delhi.
The 2+2 meetings have been held annually with the US leaders since 2018.
The 2+2 meetings signify the participation of two high-level representatives, Ministers holding Foreign and Defence portfolios, from each of the two countries who aim to enhance the scope of dialogue between them.
Having such a mechanism enables the partners to better understand and appreciate each other's strategic concerns and sensitivities taking into account political factors on both sides, in order to build a stronger, more integrated strategic relationship in a rapidly changing global environment.
The first 2+2 dialogue between the two countries was held during the Trump Administration, when then Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and then Secretary of Defence James Mattis met the late Sushma Swaraj and then Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi in September 2018.
It was also seen as a replacement for the Strategic and Commercial Dialogue, held between the foreign and commerce ministers of the two countries during the previous Obama administration.
The 33rd Conference of the WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and Pacific in New Delhi
In a significant stride towards advancing animal health and husbandry, India is playing host to the 33rd Conference of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific. The event, slated from November 13 to 16, 2023, is unfolding in the city of New Delhi.
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, will lead the inauguration and conclusion ceremonies.
Adding to the dignified presence, Union Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Sanjeev Balyan and L Murugan, are actively participating in the conference.
The decision to hold this significant gathering was solidified during the 90th General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the WOAH in Paris in May 2023.
Under the aegis of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, the conference is drawing delegates from 36 member countries, including India.
India and ADB Ink $400 Million Deal For Urban Infrastructure Development
India took a significant step towards the development of high-quality urban infrastructure with the signing of a $400 million policy-based loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The agreement, aimed at improving service delivery and promoting efficient governance systems, underscores the nation's commitment to fostering planned and sustainable urbanization.India has taken a significant step towards the development of high-quality urban infrastructure with the signing of a $400 million policy-based loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The agreement, aimed at improving service delivery and promoting efficient governance systems, underscores the nation's commitment to fostering planned and sustainable urbanization.
The first sub-programme, approved in 2021 with a financing of $350 million, laid the foundation for national-level policies and guidelines. These policies are designed to enhance urban services, addressing critical aspects of urban planning and service delivery. The emphasis is on creating a framework that supports systemic reforms for better urban living.
Nov 13, 2023
India Sets Guinness World Record for Maximum Online Selfies under 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' Campaign
In what may appear as a major achievement for India, the country bagged the Guinness Book of World Records for the maximum number of online selfies under the Central government's 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' campaign by uploading selfies on social media.
Earlier, the Guinness Book of World Records for the maximum number of selfies was with China in 2016 with around 1 lakh selfies, and now Maharashtra's Savitaribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has created the record of 10,42,538 selfies with soil.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis took part in the Guinness Book of World Records Certificate awarding ceremony at Mumbai University as a part of the 'Meri Mati Mera Desh' initiative.
Government Appoints IAS Srikant Nagulapalli as Additional Secretary Ministry of Power
The Union Government appointed Srikant Nagulapalli, a senior IAS officer, as the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Power. This crucial appointment comes as the Ministry of Power aims to strengthen its leadership team to tackle the myriad challenges facing the energy sector in India.
Srikant Nagulapalli, a 1998-batch IAS officer from the Andhra Pradesh cadre, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. He has previously held various key positions in both the state and central governments, making him a seasoned administrator in the domain of power and energy.
Nov 12, 2023
Senior Congress Leader Rameshwar Dadhich Part Ways with Ashok Gehlot, Joins BJP
In a significant blow to the Congress, a senior leader from Jodhpur, Rameshwar Dadhich, shifted allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party just before the 2023 Rajasthan Assembly Elections. Having a close association with Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and hailing from the same district as the CM, Dadhich parted ways with the Congress after a 50-year-long association.
India and Netherlands Sign a Memorandum of Intent to Cooperate on Medical Product Regulation, and...
India and Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Intent (MoI) for cooperation on medical product regulation and enhance the quality of medical products and health care services for both countries, at Hague in Netherlands. The MoI was signed during the meeting between Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Bhagwant Khuba and Minister of Health, Welfare and Sports of Netherlands, Ernst Kuipers. An Indian delegation led by Khuba was in Netherlands and participated in the second World Local Production Forum (WLPF) meeting being held in the Hague.
The World Local Production Forum is a platform created at the initiative of WHO with the aim of increasing access to medicines and other health technologies.
Nov 11, 2023
NPCI Appoints Pankaj Tripathi as 'UPI Safety Ambassador'
In an effort to strengthen safety awareness on digital payment platforms, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced the appointment of actor Pankaj Tripathi as its 'UPI Safety Ambassador.' This move came in the wake of discussions regarding the safety and security of digital payment platforms, particularly United Payments Interface (UPI).
Flying Wedge is First Company to Secure DGCA Certification for UAVs
Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace became India's first-ever private firm to secure a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) type certification for indigenous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.
Two of the company's surveillance drones are already deployed in the heart of New Delhi, carrying out observation of the airspace and grounds around the Prime Minister's residence.
Under the DGCA's regulatory framework, no drone, aircraft, or aeroplane can operate in India without DGCA-type certification. This stringent certification process is regarded as a vital step in ensuring the safety and reliability of unmanned aircraft within the country.
Flying Wedge is now leading the way not only in defence but also in the agriculture sector with their autonomous agriculture drones. Its drones have transformed smart farming in India, offering cost-effective solutions that enhance crop yield and reduce water consumption.
Nov 10, 2023
Govt. Begins Process of Constituting Sixteenth Finance Commission
The government has started the process of constitution of the Sixteenth Finance Commission, appointing the Officer on Special Duty for the Advance Cell. The Finance Commission, which mainly decides the tax sharing formula between Centre and states, is scheduled to be formed before the end of this year (2023).
Terms of Reference and members are also expected to be announced soon after state elections. States have already given their suggestions for terms of reference.
The government announced the appointment of Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey, a 1998-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre serving as Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, as Officer on Special Duty for Advance Cell of 16th Finance Commission in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary.
The Finance Commission is constituted by the President under article 280 of the Constitution, mainly to give its recommendations on distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States and amongst the states themselves.
Parshottam Rupala Inaugurates the Pavilion of Department Of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the pavilion of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in the World Food India event 2023 organised in November 2023 at New Delhi. The Department participated as partner department in the event. Minister for State of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Dr. L. Murugan was also present during inauguration. The World Food India event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The President of India Droupadi Murmu was the Chief Guest of valedictory function.
The pavilion Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying exhibited its major schemes, programs, new initiatives, and innovative technologies in the livestock and dairy sector. Pavilion also featured 20 stalls, including the National Dairy Development Board, start-ups, and companies working in Animal Husbandry and Dairy sector. The main attractions at the pavilion were the "Selfie Point" and live demonstrations of various innovative products by start-ups and companies. The exhibition highlighted the department's commitment in promoting technological advancements and facilitating the growth and development of the sector.