Breaking News: 5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Afghanistan, Tremors Felt in India and Pakistan

Breaking News: 5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Afghanistan, Tremors Felt in India and Pakistan

A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 on the Richter scale struck Afghanistan on Saturday at 12:17 pm IST, according to the National Center for Seismology ¹. The strong tremors were also felt in parts of India, including Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi-NCR, as well as in North-West Pakistan.

The earthquake's impact was widespread, with residents in affected areas reporting mild panic and concern. However, no major damage or casualties have been reported so far.

This is not the first time Afghanistan has experienced significant seismic activity. The country is located in a seismically active region, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates intersect . Neighboring countries, including India and Pakistan, are also vulnerable to earthquakes due to their proximity to this fault line.

The National Center for Seismology and other authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and residents in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Deputy Prime Minister of Italy Calls on The President

 

Deputy Prime Minister of Italy Calls on The President

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, H.E. Mr. Antonio Tajani called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (April 12, 2025).

Welcoming Deputy Prime Minister Tajani and his delegation to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President noted that both India and Italy are rooted in ancient civilizational heritage, with a proud history of contributing to the world through our philosophy, literature, and arts. We have been interconnected over the centuries through trade and the exchange of people and ideas. She noted that present era, the two countries are collaborating closely in emerging technologies, innovation, and defense; and are also working together on multilateral platforms such as the G-20.

The President said that there is great potential for growth in bilateral trade and investment between the two countries. India's rapid economic growth and the roadmap for 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047 present numerous opportunities for industrial partnerships and collaboration. She invited Italian companies and PSUs to expand their operations in India, especially for manufacturing and co-production. She also urged Italian green technology companies to explore possibilities of cooperation and partnership with Indian industry.

The President said that the Joint Strategic Action Plan announced during the meeting of Prime Minister Meloni and Prime Minister Modi in Rio in November 2024 is a blueprint for the next 5 years. This Action Plan will be a guiding framework to accelerate our joint efforts.

The President was happy to note that Italian universities and research centres are exploring possibilities of collaboration with Indian partners. She said that the new education policy has facilitated foreign universities to open campuses in India. Italian universities can be invited to open campuses in India.

The two leaders agreed that India-Italy strategic partnership would reach new heights in the times to come.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses 75th Foundation Day celebration of the Gujarati weekly ‘Chitralekha’ in Mumbai

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses 75th Foundation Day celebration of the Gujarati weekly ‘Chitralekha’ in Mumbai

The journey of 'Chitralekha' over the last 75 years is a reflection of Gujarat's literature, society, life and the problems of Gujarat and the country

When there is purity of purpose than mere consideration of profit, dedication towards literature and a desire to solve the problems of society, only then one can connect with the readers

An awakened weekly has a deep impact on our society and life

During many movements in Gujarat, when the society was falling apart, 'Chitralekha' took the torch in its hands to keep the society united

Gujarati literature's magazines and newspapers played a big role in the building of the country

Nagin Das, Tarak Mehta and Gunwant Shah became popular from the platform of 'Chitralekha', the President honoured all three with Padma awards

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today addressed the 75th Foundation Day celebration of the Gujarati weekly ‘Chitralekha’ in Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra. On this occasion, several distinguished dignitaries were present, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, and State Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde among others.

While addressing the event, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that the 75-year journey of ‘Chitralekha’ has been a mirror of Gujarati literature, society, lifestyle, and the issues faced by Gujarat and the nation. He said that in my life so far, I have changed three houses, the furniture in those houses, even the addresses — but ‘Chitralekha’ has continued to arrive faithfully at all three homes.

Shri Amit Shah said that the way 'Chitralekha' has maintained its connection with the readers is rarely seen. This is possible only when there is purity of purpose than mere consideration of profit, dedication towards literature and the desire to solve the problems of the society. He said that ever since I learned to read, I have been reading 'Chitralekha'. He shared sometimes while reading Harkishan Mehta's novel, sometimes Tarak Mehta's Ulta Chashma and sometimes while reading the cartoon published on the front page, I did not know when I started getting the urge to read the issues of the society and try to find their solution.

Union Home Minister said that an awakened weekly impacts our society and life in many ways. In the English speaking era when it was difficult to keep Gujarati literature alive, Vajubhai founded 'Chitralekha'. Today, there is a greater need than ever to fearlessly represent all the problems of the society and not only question the problem but also to give suggestions for its solution. He said that at the time of Anamat movement in Gujarat, the society was disintegrating, but at that time 'Chitralekha' had taken the torch in its hands to keep the society united. It is because of its fact-based efforts of 75 years that 'Chitralekha' has gained credibility.

Shri Amit Shah said that literature cannot progress without the support of society. Literature is the need of society. Gujarati literature magazines have played a very important role in the development of the country. Gujarati Sahitya Parishad started a magazine named 'Budhi Prakash' in 1855. At that time, everyone started a front against customs with the inspiration of 'Budhi Prakash'. In the year 1876, Nanalal started 'Satya Vihar' and spread amazing awareness in the society. Mahatma Gandhi started 'Navjeevan' in 1919 and worked to serve the bitterest truth to the people. In the year 1950, after India gained independence, ‘Chitralekha’ was launched, and since then, it has played a significant role in presenting both societal issues and literature with great precision and clarity to the people.

Union Home Minister said that a successful effort was made to keep the society united through the novels published in 'Chitralekha'. This inspired the youth studying Gujarati to study. He said, very few of you would have met Tarak Mehta in person. Even the saddest person in the world cannot stay without laughing if he goes to meet him. Spontaneous humor was a gift from God to him. He ran 'Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' from the same chawl for years. Those who watch the serial would find it very beautiful, but those who have read Tarak Mehta would understand what these people have done to the Tarak Mehta series. He used to make entire Gujarat forget all its sorrows in four pages.

Shri Amit Shah said that 'Chitralekha' gave many such special issues which can never be forgotten. Its Narmada Yojana special issue had shaken the whole of Gujarat. He said that no one would have given such an accurate and true presentation of the 26/11 terrorist attack on Mumbai as 'Chitralekha' did. It gave such a presentation that widespread awareness spread about the problem of terrorism.

Union Home Minister said that 'Chitralekha' also published three special issues on the issue of Ram Mandir. He said that he has been a supporter of Ram Mandir since childhood, fought for it and even went to jail, but no one has presented it as beautifully as 'Chitralekha'. He said that Nagin Das, Tarak Mehta and Gunwant Shah became popular from the platform of 'Chitralekha' and finally the President of India honoured them with the Padma Award. Hardly any magazine in the country has produced three writers honoured with the Padma Award.

PM pays tributes to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on Shaheed Diwas

Delhi,

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on the occasion of the Shaheed Diwas today.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;

“India will always remember the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru. These are greats who made an unparalleled contribution to our freedom struggle.”

Inauguration of Bamboo Exhibition at the National Workshop of Bamboo Sector Development in New Delhi

Delhi,

Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Dr.Abhilaksh Likhi, inagurated the Bamboo Exhibition at the National Workshop on Bamboo Sector Development in New Delhi today. The Additional Secretary, along with Joint Secretary (Horticulture), Shri Priya Ranjan and Horticulture Commissioner, Dr. Prabhat Kumar, visited all 58 stalls at the event, interacting with State Bamboo Mission officials, State Department officials, artisans, bamboo experts and entrepreneurs.

The exhibition saw participation from State Bamboo Missions including Tripura, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Institutes like Bamboo and Cane Development Institute, Phoenix Foundation, Northeast Cane and Bamboo Development Council, Foundation of MSME Clusters along with startups and new age companies like Epitome (Mutha Industries), BioCraftBiomize, Bamboo India, ESES Biowealth Pvt Limited, Corner Art Store and organizations like Maharashtra Bamboo Board, Handicraft Sectorial Council and Bamboo FPOs under NAFED also participated in the event.

The National Workshop of Bamboo Sector Development and Bamboo Exhibition aims to bring together key stakeholders from the bamboo industry, including policymakers, researchers, industry experts, institutes and organizations to discuss the current state of the bamboo sector in India and identify ways to promote its growth and development.

The National Workshop, which is to be held tomorrow, is structured to have 5 technical sessions, which includes presentations from experts in the bamboo industry as well as interactive directions. Participants will be given the opportunity to network with other professionals in the field and learn about the latest trends and technologies in bamboo cultivation, processing and utilization. A session on “Vision for Bamboo in India” is also being held at the national workshop, which will be attended by the Union Minister of Agriculture, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar. Ministers of State, Shri Kailash Choudhary and Sushri Shobha Karandlaje are also expected to attend the event.

The event is being organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Invest India and the Kerala State Bamboo Mission in New Delhi on 9^th and 10^th March 2023.

PM to inaugurate 3rd Session of National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction on 10th March

The theme of the session is “Building Local Resilience in a Changing Climate”

Delhi,

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 3rd Session of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 10th March, 2023 at 4:30 PM.  The main theme of the 3rd session of this Platform is “Building Local Resilience in a Changing Climate”.

During the event, Prime Minister will facilitate awardees of the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar. The winners of the 2023 Puraskar are Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and the Lunglei Fire Station, Mizoram. Prime Minister will also inaugurate the exhibition for showcasing the innovative ideas and initiatives, tools and technologies in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction .

NPDRR is a multi-stakeholder platform constituted by the Government of India to facilitate dialogue, sharing experiences, views, ideas, action-oriented research & explore opportunities in the area of Disaster Risk Reduction.

Big Boost for Ayush market

Delhi,

• Multiple meetings between buyers & sellers as delegates from 19 countries interacted with exhibitors at the Expo with interest in multiple product categories
• Participating countries like India, Tajikistan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, and Sri Lanka  expressed their interest for trade in traditional medicine
• “Shot in the arm for the Indian Ayush market as this event provided the platform to further the trade potential among the SCO member states for improving the quality of lives of people”: Sarbananda Sonowal
• Massive scope for Ayush sector in Assam & Northeast as Expo provided a flip-board to local entrepreneurs: Sarbananda Sonowal

The first ‘SCO B2B Conference and Expo on Traditional Medicine’ came to a successful end as it created a platform for buyers and sellers from different countries to explore trade potential to serve the needs of the people. An incremental trade interest of over ₹590 crores was generated during the two days of intense meetings among the buyers and sellers at the conference. This first-of-its-kind conference & Expo under the SCO initiative was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal on 2nd March, 2023 at Guwahati, Assam. More than 150 delegates from 17 countries attended the two-day conference and four-day Expo, which ended here today.

Speaking on occasion, the Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “It is a moment of great realisation that this wonderful initiative has borne fruit with trade interest of more than ₹590 crores generated during the event. While this marks the immediate success of the Expo, the conference also laid the foundation for further interaction & expansion of cooperation among the states under the SCO initiative. I must thank PM Narendra Modi ji at this point as his vision brought this concept of expanding the horizon of traditional medicine among the member states of SCO, leading to the event’s successful hosting. While the scope of trade in the Ayush market remains buoyant, the event helped expand its horizon to a wider international audience with a noble aim to provide an enriched quality of life with the help of traditional medicine. This is a huge shot in the arm for the Indian Ayush market as this event provided the platform to further the trade potential among the SCO member states for improving the quality of lives of people.”

Under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush, Invest India conducted B2B meetings in a dedicated B2B lounge at the event with the support of Ayushexcil (Ayush Export Promotion Council). More than 56 exhibitors – who participated in the Expo – and buyers from 19 countries discussed and expressed their interest in trade in traditional medicine. More than 50 one-to-one meetings between buyers and sellers were conducted on day 1 of the conference. Among the spectrum of traditional medicinal products, the maximum interest was seen in product categories like Ayurvedic medicines, herbal nutraceuticals, Ayurvedic cosmetics etc. Over 75 meetings took place on Day 2 of the event, where participants from India, Tajikistan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Bahrain & Sri Lanka engaged. The trade interest of ₹590 crores was received in the B2B meetings from companies like Damaira Pharma, AIMIL Global, Herbal Strategi Homecare, Almaty, Dindayal Industries, Fidalgo Healthcare and many more. The trade interest was received across product categories like Ayurvedic gels & oils, capsules, Ayurvedic hair remedy products, nutraceuticals, Ayurvedic home care and Hygiene & Veterinary products. The industry received as many as 9 Letters of Intent (LOIs).

PM meets Bill Gates

Delhi,

The Prime MInister, Shri Narendra Modi met Mr Bill Gates on Friday in New Delhi.

In response to a tweet by Mr Gates, where he shared his ‘Note’ on his recent visit to India, the Prime Minister tweeted:

“Delighted to meet @BillGates and have extensive discussions on key issues. His humility and passion to create a better as well as more sustainable planet are clearly visible.”

In his ‘dispatch’, Mr Gates said “I’ve been in India this week, learning about the innovative work going on here in health, climate change, and other crucial areas. At a time when the world has so many challenges, it’s inspiring to visit a dynamic and creative place like India.”

Terming his meeting with the Prime Minister the highlight of his visit, Mr Gates said “Prime Minister Modi and I have stayed in touch, especially about developing COVID-19 vaccines and investing in India’s health systems. India has an amazing ability to manufacture lots of safe, effective, and affordable vaccines, some of them supported by the Gates Foundation. Vaccines produced in India have saved millions of lives during the pandemic and prevented other diseases around the world.”

He dwelled on India’s handling of the pandemic and said  “in addition to producing new life saving tools, India also excels at delivering them—its public health system has delivered more than 2.2 billion doses of COVID vaccines. They created an open-source platform called Co-WIN, which allowed people to schedule billions of vaccine appointments and delivered digital certifications for those who were vaccinated. This platform is now being expanded to support India’s universal immunization program. Prime Minister Modi believes that Co-WIN is a model for the world, and I agree.”

Bill Gates praised India’s stride in digital payments and said “India was also able to transfer emergency digital payments to 300 million people, including 200 million women, during the pandemic. This was only possible because India has made financial inclusion a priority, investing in a digital ID system (called Aadhaar) and creating innovative platforms for digital banking. It’s a reminder that financial inclusion is a fantastic investment.”

Mr Gates ‘dispatch’ also talks about India’s achievements such as  PM Gatishakti Masterplan, G20 presidency, education, innovation, fighting diseases and push to Millets.

Mr Gates concluded “My conversation with the Prime Minister left me more optimistic than ever about the progress that India is making in health, development, and climate. The country is showing what’s possible when we invest in innovation. I hope India will continue this progress and share its innovations with the world.” 

PM extends greetings to all scientists and innovators on National Science Day

Delhi,

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended his greetings to all scientists and innovators on National Science Day.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;

“On National Science Day, my greetings to all scientists and innovators. India is making innumerable strides in the world of science and nurturing an eco-system for research and innovation.”

PM applauds spirit of Yuva Sangam

Delhi,

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has applauded the spirit of Yuva Sangam as students from Assam visit Amul Cooperative’s dairy plant in Anand, Gujarat. 

Replying to a tweet thread by Member of Parliament from Tezpur Assam, Pallab Lochan Das, the Prime Minister tweeted;

“Such opportunities enable our youth to explore diverse cultures and understand different aspects of India.”

President of India presents Sangeet Natak Akademi’s fellowships and Akademi Awards

Art binds the linguistic diversity and regional characteristics in one thread: President Murmu

Delhi,

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puruskar) for the year 2019, 2020 and 2021 in New Delhi today (February 23, 2023).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the civilization showcases the material achievements of a nation but intangible heritage reveals through its culture. Culture is the real identity of a country. India’s unique performing arts have kept our incredible culture alive for centuries. Our arts and artists are the carriers of our rich cultural heritage. ‘Unity in diversity’ is the biggest feature of our cultural traditions.

The President said that in our tradition, art is a spiritual practice, a medium of the search for truth, a medium of prayer and worship, a medium of public welfare. Collective exuberance and unity also find expression through dance and music. Art binds the linguistic diversity and ​​regional characteristics in one thread.

The President said that we should take pride in the fact that the oldest and best definitions and traditions of art have developed in our country. Our cultural values ​​have become more useful in the modern era. In today’s time which is full of tension and conflict, Indian arts can spread peace and harmony. Indian arts are also the best example of India’s soft power.

The President said that just as nature’s gifts like air and water do not recognize human limitations, the art forms are also above language and geographical boundaries. The music of M. S. Subbulakshmi, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Bhupen Hazarika are unhindered by language or geography. With their immortal music, they have left an invaluable legacy for music lovers not only in India but all over the world.

PM greets all radio listeners on World Radio Day

Urges citizens to share inputs for Mann Ki Baat programme on 26th February, 2023

Delhi,

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted all radio listeners, RJs and all others associated with the broadcasting eco-system on the occasion of World Radio Day. Shri Modi has also urged citizens to share their inputs for Mann Ki Baat programme on the 26th February, 2023.

In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said;

“Greetings to all radio listeners, RJs and all others associated with the broadcasting eco-system on the special occasion of World Radio Day. May the radio keep brightening lives through innovative programmes and showcasing human creativity.”

“Since it is World Radio Day, I would also like to take the opportunity to remind you all of the 98th #MannKiBaat programme on the 26th. Do share your inputs for the same. Write on MyGov, NaMo App or record your message by dialling 1800-11-7800.”

PM compliments doctors for their innovation and embracing new changes

Delhi,

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has complimented the doctors for always being at the forefront of innovation and embracing new changes in the medical world. AIIMS Bhubaneswar conducted successful Quadruple Joint Replacement Surgery in a crippled patient. This is First of its kind in Odisha,Second Case reported Globally.

In response to a tweet by AIIMS Bhubaneswar, the Prime Minister said;

“Compliments to our doctors for always being at the forefront of innovation and embracing new changes in the medical world. Their dexterity makes us proud!”

The vibrant Tamil culture is popular globally: PM

Delhi,

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has responded to a tweet by Singapore Prime Minister, H.E. Lee Hsien Loong where the Singapore Premier informed that he celebrated a belated Pongal with residents from AMK, Kebun Baru & YCK.

Responding to the tweet, the Prime Minister said;

“This is gladdening to see. The vibrant Tamil culture is popular globally.”

President of India’s Greetings on The Eve of New Year

Delhi,

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has sent her greetings to all fellow citizens on the eve of New Year 2023. 

In a message, the President has said “On the occasion of New Year, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens and all Indians abroad.

May the dawn of New Year, imbued with fresh energy, bring new happiness, goals, inspirations and greater achievements in our lives. On this occasion, let us resolve to rededicate ourselves to the unity, integrity and inclusive development of the nation. I wish for the progress and prosperity of our glorious nation and the people in the year 2023 ”.

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• MCC celebrates ‘Swachh Kanjan’ pujan under Swachhotsav*
• Agriculture Minister Dhaliwal orders field officers to furnish assessment report of crop damage at the earliest
• Every farmer will get proper compensation for crop damage caused by rain and hailstorm: Dr. Baljit Kaur
• THE SEVEN DAY NSS CAMP ORGANISED IN PU COMES TO AN END
• Together with 10 SHGs MCC starts the Swachhata Yatra to other states

PM congratulates Indian Team for winning T-20 World Cup for the Blind

Delhi,

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated the Indian Team for winning the T-20 World Cup for the Blind.

Sharing a tweet by Differently Abled Cricket Council of India, the Prime Minister tweeted;

“India is proud of our athletes.  Delighted that we have won the T-20 World Cup for the Blind. Congratulations to our team and best wishes to them for their future endeavours.”

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• MCC celebrates ‘Swachh Kanjan’ pujan under Swachhotsav*
• Agriculture Minister Dhaliwal orders field officers to furnish assessment report of crop damage at the earliest
• Every farmer will get proper compensation for crop damage caused by rain and hailstorm: Dr. Baljit Kaur
• THE SEVEN DAY NSS CAMP ORGANISED IN PU COMES TO AN END
• Together with 10 SHGs MCC starts the Swachhata Yatra to other states

Centre informs that the usage of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NaviC system) has increased in India

Delhi,

The Centre today informed that the usage of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NaviC system) has increased in India.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, NavIC finds utilisation in national projects like public vehicle safety, power grid synchronisation, real-time train information system, fishermen safety, etc. Other upcoming initiatives viz. common alert protocol-based emergency warning, time dissemination, geodetic network, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc. are in the process of adopting NavIC system, the Minister informed.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, many mobile phone models in the country are already having NavIC compatibility. Department of Space is constantly engaged with the manufacturers of mobile phones and chipsets to support them technically for adding NavIC compatibility in their devices.

NavIC system provides signals for positioning. Applications like Google Maps can utilize the position obtained through NavIC or other similar system and display it on a map or other user interface for easy visualization. Signals provided by NavIC system are agnostic to the end-user application. Hence, a mobile phone which has NavIC compatibility automatically uses NavIC signals when showing position on maps.  Performance of NavIC system is at par with the other positioning systems.

 The current version of NavIC is compatible with L5 and S bands. This is as per the international frequency coordination and compatibility. The current version has been able to penetrate the civilian sector. The addition of signal in L1 band will help in faster penetration in the civilian sector. The next satellites starting from NVS-01 onwards will have an L1 band for civilian navigational use.

Government is working to launch replacement satellites NVS-01 onwards for the current seven satellite constellation. Simultaneously, studies are underway to work out suitable configuration to expand the reach of NavIC beyond its current coverage.

---

• MCC celebrates ‘Swachh Kanjan’ pujan under Swachhotsav*
• Agriculture Minister Dhaliwal orders field officers to furnish assessment report of crop damage at the earliest
• Every farmer will get proper compensation for crop damage caused by rain and hailstorm: Dr. Baljit Kaur
• THE SEVEN DAY NSS CAMP ORGANISED IN PU COMES TO AN END
• Together with 10 SHGs MCC starts the Swachhata Yatra to other states

6th CII Ayush Conclave 2022 organized with support of Ministry of Ayush

Delhi,

Union Minister of Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal laid emphasis on how Ayush can play an important role in realizing the dream of ‘New India’ by providing holistic healthcare and medical care for its citizens. Minister was addressing the gathering at 6th CII Ayush Conclave 2022 in New Delhi today.

In his inaugural address Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Ayush market has reached $18 billion from meager $3 billion under guidance and visionary leadership of our Prime Minister.” He added that at present we are witnessing a highly receptive environment where the value of Ayush systems in healthcare is widely being recognized. Many reforms in research strategies, nature of practice and education are underway, which will facilitate growth in this sector. The new generation of our country should study and deeply about the Ayush systems. “

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush in his keynote address said, “Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) has established a lot of benchmarks for Ayush system. These benchmarks will be beneficial for all the stakeholders, particularly industry related to Ayush systems”

Shri Pramod Kumar Pathak, Special Secretary Ministry of Ayush addressed the plenary session on regulatory roadmap for ease of doing business. In his address he said that the first important aspect of ease of doing business is consultation and that is happening robustly at Ministry of Ayush. Further, for promoting scientific approach, the ministry is working with the Departments of Science and Biotechnology and the inputs are effectively included in our roadmap.

6th CII Ayush Conclave 2022 was organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with the support of Ministry of Ayush. Key stakeholders of Ayush system discussed topics like regulatory roadmap, Research and development in Ayush sector, Branding, promotion and marketing of Ayush products.

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• MCC celebrates ‘Swachh Kanjan’ pujan under Swachhotsav*
• Agriculture Minister Dhaliwal orders field officers to furnish assessment report of crop damage at the earliest
• Every farmer will get proper compensation for crop damage caused by rain and hailstorm: Dr. Baljit Kaur
• THE SEVEN DAY NSS CAMP ORGANISED IN PU COMES TO AN END
• Together with 10 SHGs MCC starts the Swachhata Yatra to other states

States/UTs to explore additional revenue streams to improve the financial viability of Fair Price Shops: Secretary, DFPD

Delhi,

States/UTs to explore additional revenue streams to improve the financial viability of Fair Price Shops (FPS), said Shri Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution while interacting with States/UTs during a conference of Food Secretaries on Friday here.

One of the best practices on FPS transformation was demonstrated by the Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu highlighting multiple initiatives undertaken such as selling of commodities, minor millets, grocery items, ISO certification of FPSs during his presentation.

Secretary, DFPD appreciated the persistent efforts of Tamil Nadu and stressed on the significance of transformation of FPS.

Secretary, DFPD chaired the conference in which important issues linked with various schemes of the Department including Implementation of Rice Fortification, One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC), Smart PDS, Route Optimization etc.  were discussed in details with the Food Secretaries of States and UTs. In his inaugural address, he impressed upon the State Governments for extending all possible support in holistic implementation of the schemes and programmes of DFPD.  

Shri Chopra said that Government of India is aiming to achieve full distribution of fortified rice in all government programmes by the year 2023-24. The ecosystem is fully geared up to achieve the target and States/UTs have been requested to strengthen their respective machinery in order to be fully prepared to ensure the procurement, supply and distribution of fortified rice as per the stipulated timeline. The FCI is conducting this initiative all over the country.

He appreciated the efforts taken by States in ensuring food grains to migrants under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme. As an outcome of the scheme, more than 91 crore portability transactions have been recorded since its inception. Representative from Nandurbar (Maharashtra) shared the insights on the initiatives taken such as creation of district dashboard and migrants’ profile in order to reduce the malnutrition.

---

• MCC celebrates ‘Swachh Kanjan’ pujan under Swachhotsav*
• Agriculture Minister Dhaliwal orders field officers to furnish assessment report of crop damage at the earliest
• Every farmer will get proper compensation for crop damage caused by rain and hailstorm: Dr. Baljit Kaur
• THE SEVEN DAY NSS CAMP ORGANISED IN PU COMES TO AN END
• Together with 10 SHGs MCC starts the Swachhata Yatra to other states

India climbs up six slots and now placed at 61st rank as per Network Readiness Index 2022

The report is prepared by Portulans Institute based in Washington DC

Delhi,

India has improved its position by six slots and is now placed at 61^st rank as per the Network Readiness Index 2022 (NRI 2022) report released recently. In its latest version of 2022, the NRI Report maps the network-based readiness landscape of 131 economies based on their performances in four different pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact covering a total of 58 variables. The report has been prepared by the Portulans Institute, an independent non-profit, nonpartisan research and educational institute based in Washington DC.

India has not only improved its ranking, but also improved its score from 49.74 in 2021 to 51.19 in 2022.  It is noteworthy that India leads in several indicators. The report states that India secured 1^st rank in “AI talent concentration”, 2^nd rank in “Mobile broadband internet traffic within the country” and “International Internet bandwidth”, 3^rd rank in “Annual investment in telecommunication services” and “Domestic market size”, 4^th rank in “ICT Services exports”, 5^th rank in “FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions” and “AI scientific publications”.

NRI-2022 report states that India has a greater network readiness than would be expected given its income level.  India is ranked 3^rd out of 36 in the group of lower-middle-income countries after Ukraine (50) and Indonesia (59).  India has a score higher than the income group average in all pillars and sub-pillars.

---

• MCC celebrates ‘Swachh Kanjan’ pujan under Swachhotsav*
• Agriculture Minister Dhaliwal orders field officers to furnish assessment report of crop damage at the earliest
• Every farmer will get proper compensation for crop damage caused by rain and hailstorm: Dr. Baljit Kaur
• THE SEVEN DAY NSS CAMP ORGANISED IN PU COMES TO AN END
• Together with 10 SHGs MCC starts the Swachhata Yatra to other states