Indian Railways Sign Deal with Indo-Russian JV for Vande Bharat Trains
The Indian Railways signed a supply contract with the Indo-Russian joint venture (JV), Kinet Railway Solutions, for manufacturing Vande Bharat trains. Earlier, the viability of the JV had been questioned as the United States imposed fresh sanctions against senior officials linked with the Russian partners in this joint venture with the Indian company, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).
The deal between the Indian Railways and Kinet Railway Solutions will involve the manufacturing of 120 Vande Bharat trains, along with maintenance services for 35 years. Kinet Railway Solutions is a joint venture between Metrowagonmash (MWM) and Locomotive Electronic Systems (LES) from Russia and RVNL from India.
PM Attends 20th Anniversary Celebration of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit Event
Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the occasion commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. This prestigious event took place at Science City in Ahmedabad, a city that has witnessed the remarkable transformation of Vibrant Gujarat over the past two decades.
The inception of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit occurred two decades ago, precisely on September 28, 2003, under the forward-thinking guidance of the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi. As years passed, it evolved into an internationally recognized event, establishing itself as one of India's foremost business summits.
Indore Bags Best Smart City Spot at National Smart Cities Conclave 2023
After being ranked as the cleanest city five times, Indore bagged the top spot for the 'Best Smart City' in India at the National Smart Cities Conclave 2023 held in the city. Gujarat's Surat came in second, while Agra in Uttar Pradesh secured the third position among the smart cities of India.
Madhya Pradesh was adjudged the Best State in the country, followed by Tamil Nadu. Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh together bagged the third position.
The Central government launched the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) on June 25, 2015. The mission aims to promote cities that can provide core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and offer a decent quality of life to the citizens. The focus of Smart Cities Mission is on sustainable development by creating replicable models which can act as lighthouses to other aspiring cities. A total of 100 cities were selected to be developed as Smart Cities at first.
Sep 29, 2023
BJP Divides Rajasthan into 7 Zones
In preparation for the upcoming Rajasthan Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) initiated strategic planning at various levels. The entire state was divided into 7 zones, with the responsibility handed over to leaders from different states. As per reports, each zone will have an in-charge and various leaders will be responsible for strengthening the party's position in the constituencies within the zones.
These leaders will continuously update the zone in charge, keeping the party headquarters informed of the ground situation.
India Ageing Report 2023
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) India, in collaboration with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), unveiled the highly anticipated 'India Ageing Report 2023'. This report sheds light on the challenges, opportunities and institutional responses surrounding elderly care in India, as India navigates a demographic shift towards an ageing population.
The report was jointly released by Mr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (Government of India) and Ms. Andrea M. Wojnar, UNFPA India Representative and Country Director Bhutan.
The report's key findings encompass a range of analyses related to elderly well-being, including:
The enhancement of geriatric care to cater to the unique healthcare needs of seniors
A multitude of government schemes and policies addressing the health, financial empowerment, and capacity building needs of the elderly population
Community-based organizations actively engaged in digital empowerment through computer and internet usage sessions
Ministerial committees dedicated to shaping policies for elderly welfare
Corporate efforts for joyful aging, social assistance, old age homes, and elder abuse awareness campaigns
Sep 28, 2023
CM Bhupesh Baghel Inaugurates State's First Sugarcane-based Ethanol Plant
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated Chhattisgarh's first sugarcane-based ethanol plant worth Rs. 141 crore in Kabirdham district.
Chief Minister Baghel established an 80-kilo litre per day (KLPD) ethanol plant in public-private partnership (PPP) mode through Bhoramdev Cooperative Sugar Producer Factory Limited, Kawardha, and M/s NKJ Bio Fuel.
The establishment of the ethanol plant will generate direct and indirect employment opportunities in the area and will strengthen the basis for economic prosperity in the area.
PM Modi Launches G20 Publications
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during an address at the G20 University Connect Finale program held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, released four significant publications related to India's G20 Summit presidency. The G20 University Connect initiative aimed to foster an understanding of India's G20 presidency among the nation's youth and enhance their participation in various G20 events.
The publications launched by the Prime Minister include: The Grand Success of G20 Bharat Presidency, Visionary Leadership, Inclusive Approach, India's G20 Presidency, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Compendium of G20 University Connect Programme, and Showcasing Indian Culture at G20.
He credited the success of India's G20 Summit to the enthusiastic participation of the country's youth, emphasising that such large-scale events thrive when the youth actively engage with them.
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Seeks Recognition of 'Sarna' Religious Code for Tribals
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking recognition of the 'Sarna' code for tribals in order to safeguard their religious existence and constitutional rights.
Soren claimed that the population of tribals in the state has declined to 26 per cent from 38 per cent in the last eight decades.
Sep 27, 2023
Uttarakhand Govt Signs Mou with Ropeway Construction Firm Poma Group in London
The Uttarakhand government has signed a memorandum of understanding worth Rs. 2,000 crore with global ropeway construction firm Poma Group in London. The MoU was signed by Uttarakhand's secretary (industries) Vinay Shankar Pandey on behalf of the state government.
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said keeping in mind the geographical conditions of the state, there is immense potential for investment in the field of eco-friendly tourism in Uttarakhand.
Moody's Investors Service Raises Red Flags against Aadhaar
Moody's Investors Service, a global rating major, has expressed doubts about the reliability of India's Aadhaar, a 12-digit universal identity system.
The concerns revolve around the use of biometric technologies, particularly in hot and humid climates, and the resulting service disruptions.
In response, the Indian government has defended Aadhaar's credibility, emphasising its position as the world's most trusted digital ID.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recently issued a gazetted notification, introducing amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules.
These changes have a significant impact on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with FCRA licenses and individuals who receive foreign contributions.
Amit Khare's Tenure as PM's Adviser Extended
The Centre has decided to extend the tenure of Amit Khare, a retired IAS officer, as Adviser to the Prime Minister.
His current term, set to conclude on October 12, 2023, will now continue for a period that aligns with the term of the Prime Minister.
Sep 26, 2023
Amit Khare Gets Extension as Advisor to PM Modi
Former bureaucrat Amit Khare was given extension as advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. An order issued by Department of Personnel and Trainning said that the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the extension in Khare's tenure beyond October 12, 2023, for a period co-terminus with the term of Prime Minister.
He was appointed to the post for two years in October 2021.
Khare, a 1985-batch (retired) IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, had superannuated on September 30, 2021. He last served as the higher education secretary.
In another order, the ACC approved the extension in tenure of Rajesh S. Gokhale as secretary, Department of Biotechnology, for a period of two years -- with effect from November 1.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) was formed on January 26, 1950.
PM Modi Invites Students, Young Professionals to G-20 University Connect Finale
Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited people, especially university students and young professionals keen to pursue further education, to the G-20 University Connect Finale held at Bharat Mandapam on September 26.
Modi said that over the last year, the G-20 University Connect programme brought together India's youth as the initiative, spanning the entire year, proved to be incredibly fulfilling, yielding highly satisfying outcomes. It showcased to the world how our youth have emerged as vibrant cultural envoys, who have cemented enduring connections with the G20 fraternity.
+91-85588-96644
