NCGG successfully trains the 24th batch of civil servants from Maldives

The 2-week Capacity Building Programme (CBP) for civil servants of Maldives organised in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) concluded on 23rd June, 2023. NCGG has signed MoU with the Government of Maldives to enhance the skills and capabilities of 1,000 civil servants in the field of public administration and governance by 2024. As part of the agreement, NCGG has already imparted training to 685 officers from Maldives. The successful conclusion of the capacity building programme for civil servants of Maldives signifies the convergence of shared values and spirit of collaboration, serving as a testament to Prime Minister Modi’s ‘neighbourhood first’ approach.

The valedictory session was presided over by Bharat Lal, Director General, National Centre for Good Governance. With a firm focus on improving the quality of life for citizens, Lal urged the officers to capitalize on their learnings and translate them into tangible actions that drive positive change and holistic development. By embracing innovative approaches and incorporating lessons gleaned from the programme, the officers can effectively contribute to elevating the well-being and welfare of the people they serve. Recognizing Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s unwavering commitment to ensuring necessities for all citizens, such as housing, cooking gas, education, healthcare, financial services, and skill development, among others, he highlighted the need for officers to emulate these initiatives and make significant strides in enhancing the ease of living. The DG emphasized the importance of working with speed and scale and leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of efficiently delivering these fundamental amenities.

A well-educated and skilled workforce forms the backbone of a thriving economy, fostering innovation, productivity, and competitiveness in the global arena. Lal emphasized that civil servants hold a unique position of responsibility, as they are instrumental in designing and implementing policies that impact the education sector. He urged them to provide equitable access to education, address gaps in learning opportunities, and foster a holistic approach to skill development.

The DG stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for women through the provision of essential facilities, such as 24-hour water and power supply, and adequate sanitation facilities. Empowering women through the provision of basic amenities not only boosts economic outcomes but also fosters gender equality. By ensuring their equal participation in economic activities, societies can unlock the full potential of their human capital and drive sustainable growth, he said.

He placed significant emphasis on the need for civil servants to harness the potential of the digital revolution and embrace the latest IT innovations as a means to advance digital governance. The adoption of digital tools and platforms can enable faster decision-making, improved data management, and increased accessibility to government services, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of governance. Recognizing their role as change agents and their deep understanding of local contexts, he expressed confidence in their ability to successfully implement policies and achieve favourable outcomes in their respective domains.

Giving the overview of the programme, Dr. B. S. Bisht, course coordinator said that in the 24th capacity building programme, NCGG shared various initiatives taken in the country.  such as changing paradigm of governance, centralised public grievances redressal and monitoring system, India Maldives relations, Aadhar: a tool of good governance, implementation of public policies, women inclusive governance, innovation in public administration, Digital governance and public service delivery, Smart City development, housing to all, leveraging digital technology, best practices from various development schemes, urban governance, low cost desalination for drinking water, Climate Change, tourism, Jal Jeevan Mission, e-governance and digital India UMANG, leadership, coordination and communication, Mudra Yojana, poverty elimination initiatives, health care governance, sanitation and public health behaviour, circular economy, skill India, anti-corruption strategies, India’s policy towards Indian Ocean region among others.

685 officers from Maldives so far, imparted training. The participants had the opportunity to engage in visits that were carefully curated to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of a diverse range of developmental projects and institutions. Among the notable visits, the participants had the opportunity to explore the Smart City in Dehradun, Central Information Commission, Pradhanmantri Sanghralaya which enriched their knowledge of the practical aspects of governance.

The 24th CBP was supervised by Dr. B. S. Bisht, course coordinator for Maldives, Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, co-course coordinator and the entire CBP team of NCGG. Their contributions to curriculum development, session coordination, and knowledge dissemination were instrumental in creating a comprehensive and impactful learning experience for the participants.

3rd Infrastructure Working Group Meeting to take place in Rishikesh

The third G20 Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) meeting under G20 Indian Presidency is scheduled to take place in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, from 26th to 28th June 2023. Total 63 delegates from G20 member countries, invitee countries, and international organisations will participate in the meeting to further the discussions on the 2023 Infrastructure Agenda under the Indian G20 Presidency and follow up on the discussions held during the second IWG meeting held in March 2023 in Visakhapatnam.

The G20 Infrastructure Working Group deliberates on various aspects of infrastructure investments, including developing infrastructure as an asset class, promoting quality infrastructure investment, and identifying innovative instruments for mobilizing financial resources for infrastructure investment. The outcomes of the Infrastructure Working Group feed into the G20 Finance Track priorities and promote Infrastructure Development.

In the third IWG meeting, substantive progress will be discussed towards the various workstreams of the 2023 Infrastructure Agenda. The flagship priority to be discussed in this meeting is “Financing Cities of Tomorrow: Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable”, along with other priorities.

During the three-day meetings, various official meetings and cultural programmes have been planned for the delegates. In addition to the formal discussions, the delegates will experience Rishikesh’s rich culture and beautiful landscapes. The Presidency has also arranged an excursion for the delegates on the afternoon of 28th June.

On the sidelines of the IWG meetings, two side events have also been planned. On 26th June, the “High-Level Seminar on Roadmap to Sustainable Cities” is being organized in partnership with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.  The discussions across the three sessions will allow G20 decision-makers to hear key challenges, from climate change to infrastructure resiliency, fast urbanization, and inclusiveness, along with exploring the role of technology, Infratech and digitization. The delegates will also learn from a unique perspective in launching one of the world’s most ambitious new city developmentNUSANTARA in Indonesia. Many International and national experts are joining the discussion.

On 27th June, “A Roundtable on Making India an MRO Hub” is scheduled with an agenda to discuss opportunities that India has to offer in the MRO space.

The delegates will also be hosted for “Ratri Bhoj Par Samvad’ (Conversation over Dinner) to provide an opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand and relish the local cuisines. The Presidency has also planned a “Yoga Retreat” on 26th June 2023 for the delegates to experience.

PM Modi and UN Secretary General, Guterres underline importance of Yoga

The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has concurred with United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres on the importance of Yoga. 

 

Modi also wished that may Yoga Day bring us all closer and improve the health of the planet and the universe.

In a tweet, UN Secretary General said that in a divided world, yoga unites millions of people across the globe, for whom it is a source of strength, harmony, and peace.

Responding to the tweet by the United Secretary General, the Prime Minister tweeted;

“Fully agree with @UN Secretary General @antonioguterres on the importance of Yoga. May Yoga Day bring us all closer and improve the health of our planet.”

9th International Day of Yoga celebrated across the globe with increased participation

The 9th edition of International Day of Yoga 2023 was successfully celebrated on much larger scale and witnessed new initiatives which were special for this year’s IDY. The main National event at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh saw enthusiastic participation of more than 15,000 people, who participated in the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) demonstration in presence of  Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar.

On this occasion, Mangubhai Patel, Governor of Madhya Pradesh; Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh; Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ayush & Ministry of Ports Shipping & Waterways; Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai, Union Minister of State for Ayush and Women & Child Development; Cabinet Ministers, MPs, ministers of Government of MP and officials of Ministry of Ayush were also present.

 

Jagdeep Dhankhar in his address said that it is a matter of great satisfaction that due to the efforts of our Prime Minister, Yoga has now become a global festival. Yoga is not only for any individual, but for the whole of humanity. He said that Yoga has also taken an economic form and has positively impacts it. Our trained Yoga teachers are working all over the world and the demand for Yoga teachers is increasing.

 

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi addressed the nation through a video message and said he is currently touring the United States of America due to various commitments, unlike previous occasions of Yoga Day when he was present at every edition of International Day of Yoga celebration. However, this year he will lead an IDY event at UN headquarters in New York.

Prime Minister added that one acquires health, vigour and strength through Yoga and those who have been regularly involved in this practice over the years have felt its energy. The importance of good health at the individual as well as the family level, is very important. Yoga creates a healthy and powerful society where the collective energy is much more. Campaigns like Swachh Bharat and Startup India that have helped in building a self-reliant nation and restoring the cultural identity of the country and the country and its youth have contributed a lot to this energy. Today the minds of the country have changed leading to a change in people and their live.

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ayush & Ministry of Ports Shipping & Waterways said, “Under the farsighted and exemplary leadership of the Prime Minister, International Day of Yoga 2023 is poised to firmly implant ethos of Yoga and Indian traditions upon national and international communities. It will further amplify the message of universal well-being at a global level.”

Governor of Madhya Pradesh Mangubhai Patel said in his address “Yoga is very relevant for today’s young generation. Through the benefits of practicing Yoga, they will be able to face future challenges well.”   

On this occasion, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, made an important announcement that his government will include Yoga in school curriculum and implement it in all schools of Madhya Pradesh.   

The highlight of 9th International Day of Yoga was unique concepts of creation of Ocean Ring of Yoga, which was envisaged as a coordinated yoga demonstration in which Indian naval ships stationed at different ports around the world and countries with which India has maritime cooperation and merchant shipping agreements participated in the CYP demonstration.

Nearly 3500 naval personnel onboard 19 Indian Naval ships travelled over 35,000 Km as ambassadors of Yoga in both national and international waters. This includes over 2400 personnel on 11 IN ships at foreign ports/international waters. Notably, IDY was celebrated onboard ships of several foreign Navies in concert with our overseas Missions, involving over 1200 foreign Navy personnel.   

Yoga from Arctic to Antarctica was another facet of this year’s IDY where Yoga demonstration was organized in countries falling in and around Prime Meridian line and on North Pole and South Pole regions. Scientists/Researches at India’s research bases in Arctic and Antarctica namely Himadri and Bharati also participated in Yoga demonstration. Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force along with ITBP, BSF, and BRO made a chain of Yoga demonstration in unison named Yoga Bharatmala. Similarly yoga demonstration along Indian coast line and islands termed Yoga Sagarmala was also formed.

For engaging with rural communities Ministry of Ayush had elaborately planned to spread message of “Har Aangan Yoga”. Yoga demonstration was organized at Panchayats, Anganwadi, Health and Wellness Centres, and schools, around 2 lakhs common service centres, Ayush Gram Unit and location around Amrit Sarovar.

The International Day of Yoga was celebrated with a whole government approach, all the key ministries of the Government of India, National and International leading Yoga institutes & organizations and other stakeholders participated in the IDY. Along with these Indian missions and embassies, UN member states and interim office of WHO-GCTM in Jamnagar also organized events to celebrate International Day of Yoga.   

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurates Integrated Simulator Complex ‘Dhruv’ in Kochi

Raksha Mantri, Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Integrated Simulator Complex (ISC) ‘Dhruv’ at Southern Naval Command, Kochi on June 21, 2023. The ISC ‘Dhruv’ hosts modern state-of-the-art indigenously-built simulators which will significantly enhance practical training in the Indian Navy. These simulators are envisaged to give real-time experience on navigation, fleet operations and Naval tactics. These simulators will also be utilised for training of personnel from friendly countries.

Amongst the many simulators envisaged in the complex, the Raksha Mantri visited Multi-Station Handling Simulator (MSSHS), Air Direction and Helicopter Control
Simulator (ADHCS) and Astronavigation Dome. The Ship Handling Simulators produced by ARI Pvt Ltd, New Delhi have been exported to 18 countries. The Astro-navigation Dome developed by Infovision Technologies Pvt Ltd is the first-of-its-kind in the Indian Navy.

The ADHCS - developed by Institute for Systems Studies and Analysis, a DRDO laboratory - would be able to provide real-time operational environment scenario to trainees. These technologically advanced simulators are indicative of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and promise great defence export potential for the nation. Some of the other indigenously developed simulators in the Complex include Combat Management System and Maritime Domain Awareness Lab.

During the inauguration, Singh also interacted with senior representatives from the firms involved in the development of these simulators.

Dharmendra Pradhan meets Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Tertiary Education, Science & Technology of Mauritius

 

Union Education and Skill Development Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan today met Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Tertiary Education, Science & Technology of Mauritius in Pune. He also held bilateral meetings with counterparts from UAE, UK and Oman, and senior officials from UNICEF and OECD on the side-lines of the 4th Education Working Group Meeting and Education Ministers meeting, to take forward the bilateral cooperation in education and skill development to greater heights.

 

During the meeting with  Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Tertiary Education, Science & Technology of Mauritius, the dignitaries had productive discussions on expanding academic and skill development partnerships through comprehensive institutional mechanisms. Pradhan assured the Mauritian Minister of India's commitment to establishing an institution for curriculum research and development in Mauritius, as well as enhancing capacities in education and skill development.

 

Pradhan engaged in significant conversations with HE Dr. Ahmed Belhoul Al Falasi, the Minister of Education, UAE. They deliberated on the prospects to constitute more robust institutional mechanisms for deepening engagements from ‘Schools to Skills’ to realize the full potential of bilateral cooperation. They also addressed concerns regarding degree equivalency and the alignment of skills frameworks between India and the UAE to facilitate seamless movement of students and workers.

 

Pradhan met with HE Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al-Mahrooqi, Oman's Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. Shri Pradhan expressed desire to collaborate with Oman through knowledge partnerships in energy, food security, safety, biotech, and sustainability. They also discussed joint efforts in education and skill development to foster economic prosperity for both nations.

 

During his meeting with Dr. Robert Jenkins, Global Director of Education & Adolescent Development, UNICEF, Pradhan conveyed his appreciation for UNICEF's role as a knowledge partner in the G20 India framework and for promoting Foundational Literacy & Numeracy. The Minister shared information about the National Education Policy (NEP) and efforts to create an inclusive and equitable education system while talking about UNICEF's collaboration with the Government of India in the education sector and its positive outcomes. They agreed to expand the UNICEF-India partnership to ensure universal early childhood care and education and align education with the principles of NEP 2020.

 

Pradhan later engaged in discussions with Yoshiki Takeuchi, Deputy Secretary General at OECD. He praised OECD's role as a G20 India framework knowledge partner and their contribution to the EdWG's outcome documents. He expressed desire to extend India-OECD collaboration beyond the G20 and replicate India's transformative experiences in the Global South.

 

Pradhan, met with Nick Gibb, Minister of State for Schools in the UK, and had productive discussions on collaborating in education, vocational training, and skill development.

“Black Cocaine” worth Rs 32 crore seized at Ahmedabad International Airport

Busting a unique modus operandi, officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) have foiled the attempt to smuggle 3.22 kgs of “Black Cocaine”, a designer drug, into India at SVPI Airport, Ahmedabad earlier today.

Intelligence gathered revealed that a Brazilian national, who was travelling from Sau Paulo Airport to Ahmedabad international Airport, will attempt to smuggle Cocaine into India.  The DRI officials intercepted the said Brazilian national at Ahmedabad international Airport. The said passenger was travelling on tourist visa. Extensive Examination of the passenger, trolley and cabin bags was carried out and did not reveal any concealment.

However, the DRI officials observed that the base area and walls of the said two bags had an unusually thick rubbery material which was very brittle in nature and was turning granular on applying pressure. The material was examined by a team of Forensic Science lab officers with specialized field-testing kit which showed presence of Cocaine. Accordingly, 3.22 kg of the substance was seized under provisions of the NDPS Act 1985. The passenger accepted his active role in smuggling of Cocaine and was arrested.
 

“Black cocaine” is a designer drug wherein cocaine is mixed with charcoal and other chemicals to give it black rubbery appearance to camouflage and to evade detection by Canines and field-testing kit. This modus operandi to smuggle cocaine is unique and this is the first instance of seizure of “Black Cocaine” by DRI.

Further investigation is in progress.

Press Release l PM Narendra Modi meets a group of leading US health experts

21 JUN 2023 l PIB, Delhi

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi met a group of leading US experts from the health sector, today, in New York, USA.

Prime Minister and the experts discussed various matters pertaining to the domain of health including use of digital technologies for quality healthcare, greater focus on integrative medicine & better healthcare preparedness.

The details of experts who participated in the interaction are as under:

• Dr. Peter Hotez, Founding Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine, Texas

• Dr. Sunil A. David, CEO of ViroVax based in Texas

• Dr. Stephen Klasko, Advisor to General Catalyst

• Dr. Lawton R. Burns, Professor of Healthcare Management, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

• Dr. Vivian S. Lee, Founding President, Verily Life Sciences

• Dr. Peter Agre, Physician, Nobel laureate and molecular biologist, at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Heat Wave and Heat Related Illnesses with 7 affected States Reviewed

• Dr Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed Public Health Preparedness to the ongoing Heat Wave and Heat Related Illnesses with 7 affected States
• Effective disaster response and management is a collaborative work; With coordinated actions, we can surely ensure there are no deaths due to heat waves: Dr Mandaviya
• States advised to comply with the National Action Plan on Heat-Related Illnesses, ensure preparedness of healthcare facilities, availability of essential medicines and logistics; and enhance awareness among people

“Effective disaster response and management is a collaborative work. With coordinated actions between Centre and states, we can surely ensure there are no deaths due to heat waves”. This was stated by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare today as he chaired a meeting to review public health preparedness for management of heat related illness and virtually interacted with State Health Ministers, State Disaster Management Ministers and Principal Secretaries/ Additional Chief Secretaries and Information Commissioners of seven States (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana) which are experiencing severe heat wave conditions. Nityanand Rai, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs was present at the meeting, while Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prof. S P Baghel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog were present in the virtual mode.  

State Ministers who joined the high level review meeting included Shahnawaz, Disaster Management Minister (Bihar), Banna Gupta, Health & Disaster Management Minister (Jharkhand), Pramila Mallik, Revenue & Disaster Management Minister (Orissa), Harish Rao, Health Minister (Telangana), Anup Valmiki, Disaster Management Minister (Uttar Pradesh) and Mayaneshwar Singh, Minister of State for Health (Uttar Pradesh). The State Health and Disaster Management Ministers thanked the Union Health Minister for the timely review meting and his continuous support to the states.

Dr. Mandaviya said that “India has demonstrated during the recent preparedness measures for Cyclone Biparjoy that timely and effective coordination between Centre and States can produce the desired outcome”. “Sharing of ideas, expertise and best practices by states help in enriching everyone in effectively managing heat-related illness”, he added. He urged the states to implement the State Action Plans at the ground levels with a timely warning to the people, & ensure preventive preparedness to reduce the severe impact of heatwaves.  The Union Health Minister also advised the States that have not yet prepared the Health Action Plan, based on the National Action Plan, to do so urgently detailing specific field level actions and ensure effective implementation of the same.

Dr Mandaviya stated heat alert and forecasts from IMD is amplified and shared with all states daily by the Union Health Ministry. He urged states to develop training manuals on Heat and Health for State Officials, Medical Officers and Health Workers. “State-level trainers need to ensure that their training is up to field level. Capacity Building of Medical Officers, Health Staff & sensitization of grassroots level workers on heat illness, with focus on early recognition and management using training manuals provided by Union Health Ministry is crucial”, he stated. States were advised to increase resiliency to extreme heat at Health Facilities level by ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply; installation of solar panels and adopting measures to reduce indoor heat through installation of cool/green roof, window shading, shades etc.

Highlighting the lack of accurate date from the ground, Nityanand Rai urged states to share field level data on heatwaves, including on deaths and cases, so that a realistic assessment of the situation can be made. He also highlighted the importance of timely action as soon as IMD alerts are received in the states. “Timely, advance and wide awareness among the people on the preventive measures will hugely support in reducing the severe impact of such heat waves”, he pointed out.

Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, MOS (HFW)  urged states to ramp up information and awareness campaigns among people. She urged states to accelerate field level implementation of State Action Plans for addressing ill effects of heat waves.

Prof S P Baghel, MOS (HFW) also emphasized on sharing of regular advisories by states on the heatwave situation.

A granular status and analysis of overall heatstroke cases and deaths in India and heat-related illness in the seven affected States was made by the Health Ministry officials covering the trajectory of total emergency OPD, suspected and confirmed heatstroke cases and deaths; and their reporting as per Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal. It was pointed out that the National Action Plan on Heat Related Illness, released in July 2021 outlined the challenges posed by heat wave, heat-related illnesses and their management from primary to tertiary level; the SOPs for surveillance of heat stroke cases and deaths; and preparedness plan before & during summer season, with special emphasis on Heat Related Illness (HRI) in vulnerable sections.

States were also reminded of two advisories issued by the Union Health Ministry. The first was issued on 28th Feb, 2023 by the Union Health Secretary to all the Chief Secretaries requesting compliance of states of National Action Plan on Heat Related Illnesses for effective preparedness of health facilities to address heat impact and management of cases. States were also advised to review health facility preparedness in terms of essential medicines, intravenous fluids, Ice-packs, ORS, drinking water as well as IEC activity for public. The second advisory was issued by the Union Health Ministry in the form of a wider awareness of do’s and don’ts to be followed by the general population as well as the vulnerable people. It advised states to use this as a template and translate to regional languages and follow the NPCCHH advisory for employers for workplace preparedness guidance.

 

Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, Sudhansh Pant, Officer on Special Duty (Health Ministry), Dr. Rajiv Bahl, DG, ICMR, Lav Agarwal, AS (Health Ministry), Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DG, IMD, Dr M Srinivas, Director, AIIMS New Delhi and senior officials of the Health Ministry were present in the meeting.