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13 Apr

Union Minister Jitendra Singh Announces Single Window Portal For Pensioners, Elder Citizens

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday announced the setting up of Single Window Portal for benefit of pensioners and superannuated elder citizens. The Portal, he said, will not only enable constant contact with pensioners and their associations across the country but will also regularly receive their inputs, suggestions as well as grievances for a prompt response.

While addressing the 32nd Meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) for Review and Rationalisation of Pension Rules i.e (CCS) (Pension) Rules, 2021, Jitendra Singh said under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several revolutionary changes were brought in since 2014 in Pension Rules for bringing “Ease of Living” to the common man.

Jitendra Singh said, the objective of the Common Pension Portal is to create a single window digital mechanism for pensioners to raise their grievances and get the same resolved without approaching different authorities in person.

He said, all Ministries responsible to process, sanction or disburse pension dues, are interlinked to this system and grievances are forwarded after assessment to the concerned Ministry/Department for resolution. Pensioners as well as Nodal officer can view the status of the grievance online till disposal in the system.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, SCOVA is a useful platform for holding consultation with the stakeholders i.e. the pensioners through their Associations and concerned Ministries/Departments. It provides the Associations an opportunity for raising their issues concerning pensioners’ welfare etc. directly before the concerned Ministries/Departments.

Jitendra Singh informed that since the launch of Doorstep Service for submission of Digital Life Certificate (DLC) through Postman in November 2020, more than 3,08,625 Life Certificates through India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) have been done.

Jitendra Singh said that Face Authentication Technique through Android phone for submission of life certificate digitally has been launched on 29.11.2021 and till date, more than 20,500 Life Certificates through face authentication have been done.

Jitendra Singh said that the ‘Bhavishya’ platform, an integrated online pension processing system is at present being successfully implemented in the main Secretariat of 96 Ministries/ Departments including 813 Attached Offices. As on date, more than 1,50,000 cases have been processed ie. PPOs issued which includes more than 80,000 e-PPOs.

The Minister said that the Department had started in 2017 the unique experiment of holding Pension Adalats to resolve chronic grievances of Central Government Pensioners. So far, the Department has conducted a total of 6 Pension Adalats. The next Pension Adalat is scheduled to be held on 05.05.2022.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the earlier Pension Rules were notified 50 years ago in 1972. Since then, a large number of amendments to the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 have taken place. He said, in the light of such changes and several office memoranda clarifying different provisions of these Rules, the Department has brought out a revised and updated version of the Rules i.e. Civil Services (CCS) (Pension) Rules, 2021.

He clarified that the revised Rules do not make any changes in regard to entitlement of amount of pension, family pension or gratuity. However, the new Rules bring about several new policy and procedural improvements over the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972. Also, some provisions in the old rules, which have become redundant over a period of time, have been omitted from the new Rules, the Minister added.

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12 Apr

First time in 11 years, Domestic Patent Filing Surpasses International Patent Filing

India achieved yet another milestone in the context of the Intellectual Property (IP) innovation ecosystem.

For the first time in the last 11 years, the number of domestic patent filing has surpassed the number of international patent filing at the Indian patent office in the Quarter Jan-Mar 2022.

Of the total 19,796 patent applications filed, 10,706 were filed by Indian applicants against 9090 by non-Indian applicants.

The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal appreciated the consistent efforts made by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on strengthening the IPR regime in India by fostering innovation, and reducing compliance burden. The coordinated effort by DPIIT and IP office has led to increased IP awareness among all strata of society. These efforts have on one hand led to increase in the number of IPR filings, on the other hand has reduced the pendency of patent application at IP offices.

He also mentioned that this will take India a step closer to India’s ambitious target of being in the top 25 nations of the Global Innovation Index.

India’s ranking in Global Innovation Index has increased to 46th in 2021 (+35 ranks) as compared to 81st in 2015-16.

“Some of the key initiatives taken by the Government over the years that has bolstered India’s IP regime includes fee concessions like 10% rebate on online filing, 80% fee concession for Start-ups, Small Entities and educational institutions, and provisions on expedited examination for Startups and MSMEs along with other categories,” read a statement by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

According to the statement, the filing of patents has increased from 42,763 in 2014-15 to 66,440 in 2021-22, more than 50% increase in a span of 7 years. Nearly five times increase in the grant of patents in 2021-22 (30,074) as compared to 2014-15 (5978).

Also, there has been a reduction in the Time of patent examination from 72 months in Dec 2016 to 5-23 months at present, for different technological areas.

 

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12 Apr

PM Modi congratulates Pakistan’s new PM Shehbaz Sharif

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Modi said that India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror.

“Congratulations to H. E. Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror, so that we can focus on our development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of our people,” tweeted PM Modi.

Mr. Sharif was elected Prime Minister in the National Assembly on Monday, after the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan, which was eventually resolved by the Supreme Court. Sharif has secured 174 votes and was declared as prime minister. In the House of 342, the winning candidate should get the support of at least 172 lawmakers.

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12 Apr

India’s monthly purchase of Russian oil less than what Europe does in an afternoon: Jaishankar

At the India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue at Washington’s State Department on Monday, US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken urged India not to buy additional Russian oil.

He said, “When it comes to oil purchases, sanctions, et cetera, I just note that there are carve-outs for energy purchases. Of course, we’re encouraging countries not to purchase additional energy supplies from Russia. Every country is differently situated, has different needs, requirements, but we’re looking to allies and partners not to increase their purchases of Russian energy.”

Jaishankar said that India’s total purchase of oil from Russia in a month is probably less than what Europe does in an afternoon.

He said, “I noticed you refer to oil purchases. If you are looking at energy purchases from Russia, I would suggest that your attention should be focused on Europe, which probably – we do buy some energy which is necessary for our energy security, but I suspect looking at the figures, probably our total purchases for the month would be less than what Europe does in an afternoon.”

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11 Apr

Dibrugarh-Pasighat-Lilabari flight to be inaugurated tomorrow

In a bid to further boost air connectivity of the North Eastern Region with the rest of the country, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has approved a Scheme – “Providing air connectivity and Aviation infrastructure in North Eastern Region (NER)” to promote air connectivity in the States of  NER.

“As a part of this scheme, two important development will take place on 12th April 2022 –First flight of Made in India HAL Dornier Do-228 from Dibrugarh in Assam to Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh,” read a statement by the Ministry of Civil Aviation

Alliance Air will be India’s first commercial airline to fly Indian made aircraft for civil operations. There will also be inauguration of First FTO (Flying Training Organization) for North Eastern Region at Lilabari, Assam.

Minister for Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia with the presence of Chief Ministers of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Himanta Biswa Sarma and Pema Khandu respectively will be present during the event.

“Connectivity in NER is very essential and Under “Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN)”, the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has identified NER as a priority area.  This has helped in enhancing inter and intra connectivity for the NER. In this regard, new airports are getting developed and old airports are getting upgraded. Considering the hilly terrain, helicopter operations under UDAN scheme have been given focus for connectivity,” the statement added.

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11 Apr

India Successfully Flight Tests Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’

Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’, launched from an indigenously-developed helicopter, was successfully flight-tested at high-altitude ranges on Monday, April 11.

The flight-test was jointly conducted by the teams of scientists of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Army and Indian Air Force, as part of the user validation trials.

According to a press release by the Defence Ministry, the flight trials were conducted from an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the missile was fired successfully engaging simulated tank target. The missile is guided by an Infrared Imaging Seeker (IIR) operating in the Lock on Before Launch mode. It is one of the most advanced Anti-Tank weapon in the world.

In continuation to validation trials conducted at Pokhran, proof of efficacy at high altitudes paves the way for its integration on ALH. The trials were witnessed by senior Army commanders and senior scientists of DRDO.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and the Indian Army for the maiden achievement through joint work. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy congratulated the teams for the commendable job performed in difficult conditions.

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11 Apr

Switzerland delegation meets Union Minister Jitendra Singh, seeks collaboration in healthcare

Niklaus Samuel Gugger, Member of Parliament, Switzerland called on Union Minister Jitendra Singh in New Delhi on Sunday. The two leaders discussed possibilities for extensive collaboration in fields like healthcare, telemedicine and technological advancements.

Niklaus Samuel Gugger showed great interest in India’s New Education Policy and expressed his willingness in knowing about more aspects of the Policy. He also expressed interest in technological collaboration in various sectors and 25 technology hubs created by the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India for sustainable development goals.

Jitendra Singh noted that since India and Switzerland traditionally share cordial mutually trusted relations, it is easy for both the countries to engage with each other on ground of comfort already existing.

It is expected that a high-level delegation from Switzerland will visit India in October this year and there will be efforts to take the bilateral ties to a new height on issues concerning both sides which are mutually beneficial.

After the discussion between two leaders, the two sides met with their representatives. During the course of discussion, the Indian side informed the visiting side about the extensive work being done by Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India in field of glaciers, to which Swiss representatives showed keen interest as this subject is equally important to Switzerland, as well.

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11 Apr

PM Modi And President Biden To Hold Virtual Meeting Today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a virtual meeting with US President Joe Biden on 11 April 2022.

According to a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders will review ongoing bilateral cooperation and exchange views on recent developments in South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region and global issues of mutual interest. The virtual meeting will enable both sides to continue their regular and high-level engagement aimed at further strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

The Leaders’ virtual interaction will precede the fourth India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue which will be led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar on the Indian side and their US counterparts, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

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08 Apr

United Nations Suspends Russia From Human Rights Council; India Abstains From Voting

Continuing its emergency special session on Thursday, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that suspended the Russian Federation’s membership in the Human Rights Council.

The Assembly adopted the draft resolution by a recorded vote of 93 in favour to 24 against, with 58 abstentions.

India abstained in the vote for reasons of “both substance and process.”

Permanent Representative of India to United Nations TS Tirumurti reiterated India’s stand for peace, dialogue and diplomacy. He further said that no solution can be arrived at by shedding blood.

“Since the inception of the Ukrainian conflict, India has stood for peace, dialogue and diplomacy. We believe that no solution can be arrived at by shedding blood and at the cost of innocent lives. If India has chosen any side, it is the side of peace and it is for an immediate end to violence,” said Tirumurti.

Tirumurti then condemned the recent civilian killings in Buchaa and called for an independent investigation.

“Recent reports of civilian killings in Bucha are deeply disturbing. We have unequivocally condemned these killings and support the call for an independent investigation,” said Tirumurti

He added that it is in the global community’s collective interest to work constructively both inside the United Nations and outside towards an early resolution to the conflict.

“The impact of the crisis has also been felt beyond the region with increasing food and energy costs, especially for many developing countries. It is in our collective interest to work constructively, both inside the United Nations and outside, towards seeking an early resolution to the conflict,” Tirumurti said.

He stressed that all decisions should be taken with full respect for due process, adding that this principle also applies to international organizations such as the United Nations.

“India has been at the forefront of protecting human rights, right from the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We firmly believe that all decisions should be taken fully respecting due process, as all our democratic polity and structures enjoin us to do. This applies to international organisations as well, particularly the United Nations,” Tirumurti added.

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07 Apr

Rajnath Singh, S Jaishankar to lead the Indian delegation at the Fourth India-U.S. 2+2 Dialogue

Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, will visit the United States of America from 11-12 April 2022.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Minister of External Affairs will lead the Indian delegation at the Fourth India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on 11 April 2022 in Washington D.C. The US delegation will be led by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Llyod Austin,

According to a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Dialogue would enable both sides to undertake a comprehensive review of cross-cutting issues in the India-US bilateral agenda related to foreign policy, defence and security with the objective of providing strategic guidance and vision for further consolidating the relationship.

The 2+2 Dialogue will also provide an opportunity to exchange views about important regional and global developments and how we can work together to address issues of common interest and concern.

As part of an ongoing and regular dialogue, the Minister of External Affairs will separately meet his US counterpart Secretary Blinken.

External Affairs Minister is also scheduled to meet senior members of the U.S. Administration to further advance the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

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