7th Japan-India ICT Joint Working Group meeting held under India-Japan ICT Comprehensive Cooperation Framework

The 7^th Japan-India ICT Joint Working Group meeting was held on 13^th May2022 on a virtual platform. Mr. V.L Kantha Rao, Additional Secretary, Department of Telecommunications and H.E. Mr. Sasaki YUJI, Vice Minister for Policy Coordination (International Affairs), Japan co-chaired the meeting. Senior representatives from both governments and other non-governmental stakeholders from Industry, R&D and Academia attended the meeting.  

Why is it in news?

Recalling the India Japan Summit Meeting in March 2022, both sides recognized the need for growing cooperation under the India-Japan Digital Partnership with a view to enhancing digital economy through promotion of joint projects for digital transformation, support to provide opportunities for Indian IT professionals to work in Japan and Japanese companies, and collaboration made in the area of IoT, AI and other emerging technologies. The JWG discussions were focused on enhancing further cooperation in various fields like 5G, Open RAN, Telecom Network Security, submarine cable systems, and Quantum Communications. 

Highlights

·       India and Japan share a common vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous world and this has now taken the shape of “Special Strategic and Global Partnership”. This year 2022 is the 70^th Anniversary of India Japan Diplomatic relations.

·       While underlining the recent developments in telecom sector, Additional Secretary (Telecom) stated that India 4G LTE telecom stack has been tested by CDOT Tata Consultancy Services – Tejas Network consortium and is available for rollout in India. The 5G Federated Test bed has been set up in 8 Research institutions In India at an estimated cost of USD 35 million. 

·       The participants of 7^th JWG meeting included Government officials, Industry and academia stakeholders from India and Japan. The meeting deliberated on the best practices and experience on Open RAN, Massive MIMO, Quantum Communications, Connected Cars, 5G Use cases and 6G Innovation. The 7^th JWG agreed to enhance cooperation in these areas under the framework of Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and Japan.

PM launches Madhya Pradesh Startup Policy during the Madhya Pradesh Startup Conclave

“Country's development is getting new momentum by the young energy”

“In the short period of 8 years, the startup story of the country has undergone a massive transformation”

“After 2014, the government restored faith in the innovation strength of youth and created a conducive ecosystem”

“Launch of Start-Up India 7 years ago was a big step in turning ideas into innovation and taking them to industry”

“There is unprecedented emphasis on ease of doing business as well as on ease of living in India”

The Prime Minister,  Shri Narendra Modi launched the Madhya Pradesh Startup Policy during the Madhya Pradesh Startup Conclave being held in Indore, today, via video conferencing. He also launched the Madhya Pradesh Startup portal, which will facilitate and help promote the startup ecosystem. He also interacted with the startup entrepreneurs.

Why is it in news?

Interacting with Shri Tanu Tejas Saraswat founder of online store to organise Kirana stores - Shop Kirana, the Prime Minister enquired about his background and how he got the idea to start this business. The Prime Minister asked about the opportunity and growth in this business. He also asked how many kirana stores were linked to his startup and why he chose Indore for his startup. The PM asked whether one can organise the street vendors who are benefited by SVANIDHI.

Highlights

·       Interacting with Ms Umang Shreedhar founder of Umang Shreedhar Designs Private Limited from Bhopal, the Prime Minister was informed about their innovation in Khadi and creating products for big companies.

·       The Prime Minister was told that the journey of the startup has been coterminous with the government as she started the company in 2014. She also informed him about her work with the women. The PM asked about the improvement and value addition which she has brought about among the women via her startup. She informed that the income of women artisan increased by almost 300 per cent. She also talked about training women to graduate from artisan to entrepreneurs. The Prime MInister inquired about her work in Kashi and complimented her for being a job creator and an inspiration.

·       Interacting with Shri Tausif Khan from Indore, the Prime Minister was informed that his organization is working to double the income of farmers. They have created technological solutions which are being provided to farmers through digital and physical means. The Prime Minister asked whether one can integrate the soil testing facilities to the farmers connected with his startup. The Prime Minister was informed about the ways of doing soil testing and sharing the report digitally with the farmers. They are also promoting organic and microbial manure. The Prime Minister also asked about the adoption of natural farming among the farmers. The Prime MInister wished that similar to Indore excelling in Swachh Sarvekshan, the farmers of Indore district should also set an example for chemical free farming.

·       Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the country's development is getting new momentum by the young energy. There is a feeling, as there is a proactive startup policy, there is an equally diligent startup leadership in the country. The Prime Minister mentioned that in the short period of 8 years, the startup story of the country has undergone a massive transformation. He recalled that in 2014 when his Government was formed, the number of startups in the country was about 300-400. Today there are about 70000 recognized startups. He said that every 7-8 days a new unicorn is made in this country.

·       The Prime Minister also noted the diversity of start-ups. He said about 50% of startups are from Tier II & Tier III cities  and they cover many states and cities. They are associated with more than 50 industries. He said startups give solutions to real world problems. Today’s startups become future MNCs. He said the concept of startup was discussed among a few people 8 years ago and has now become a part of discussion among the common people. He said that this change is not fluke but is a result of a well thought out strategy.

·       He dwelled on the story of innovative solutions in India and lamented the lack of encouragement to the momentum of the IT revolution and failure of channelling the opportunity. Entire one decade went wasted in the scams and chaos of those times. He said that after 2014, the government restored faith in the innovation strength of the youth and created a conducive ecosystem. He informed about the three pronged approach to push the sector by creating a roadmap ranging from idea to innovation to industry. First part of this strategy, he said, was the notion of idea ,innovate, incubate and industry. Institutions related to these processes were created and strengthened. Second, easing of Government regulations. Thirdly, change in mindset for innovation by creating a new ecosystem. Keeping this in mind, steps like hackathons were taken. 15 lakh talented youngsters have been  involved in this hackathon movement creating an ecosystem for startups.

·       The Prime Minister said that the launch of Start-Up India 7 years ago was a big step in turning ideas into innovation and taking them to industry. One year later, the Atal Innovation Mission was launched with a set up of Atal Tinkering labs in schools and incubation centres in higher education institutions. More than 10 thousand schools have the tinkering labs and more than 75 lakh students are being exposed to the atmosphere of innovation. Similarly National Education Policy also promotes innovation. Private investment is increasing in the innovation sector.

·       He said reforms carried out in the space sector, mapping, drones, etc are opening new opportunities for the startups. To improve the ease of bringing the products of the startups to the market, GeM portal was established. More than 13000 startups are registered on GeM Portal and have done business worth 6500 crore rupees on the portal.  Digital India gave a major push for the development of startups and opening of new markets. He said the startups have a major role in developing the tourism sector. Startups will also help in giving a boost for Vocal for Local. Startups can also help Tribals to bring their handicrafts and products to the market. He said the Government is giving a big push for the gaming industry and toy industry. He also noted the potential in the frontier technologies for startups. He also informed that more than 800 Indian startups are involved in the sports sector.

·       The Prime Minister said that “We have to provide new momentum and height to India’s success. Today India is the fastest growing economy among the G-20 economies.” He also said that India is the third largest economy of the world. India is at the first place in terms of smartphone, data consumption and second in terms of Internet users. India is at the second place in the Global Retail Index, India is the third largest energy consumer country of the world and the world's third largest consumer market is in India. India has created a new record by doing merchandise exports worth 470 billion dollars this year. There is unprecedented investment in the infrastructure. There is unprecedented emphasis on ease of doing business as well as ease of living in India. These facts make every Indian proud and generate a belief that India’s growth story will move forward with new energy in this decade. Our efforts in the Amrit Kaal will set the direction of the country and we will fulfil the aspirations of the country with our collective endeavour, said the Prime Minister.

Vice President calls for protecting and promoting Indian musical tradition

Music has great power to relieve mental stress and anxiety: Vice President

Vice President attends centenary celebrations of Shri Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, legendary musician

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today stressed the need to protect Indian culture and heritage, particularly the Indian musical tradition, by popularizing it among the younger generations. Noting that Indian music has ancient origins and was used to transmit knowledge in the olden days, Shri Naidu said ‘music indeed has the power to relieve the mental stress and anxieties of modern life’.

Why is it in news?

Shri Naidu was speaking at the centenary celebrations of Shri Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao, a legendary musician and playback singer in Indian films, organised by Kinnera Art Theatres in Hyderabad today.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Naidu said that Indian tradition has a special place in world music and that music was practised not just as an art form, but also as a precise science. He recalled that music is also effective as a tool for social transformation. ‘Music can not only provide entertainment, but can also enlighten society’, he added.

Highlights

·       On this occasion, Shri Naidu paid rich tributes to the singer and musician, Shri Ghantasala and said the prolific singer, along with late Shri S.P. Balasubrahmanyam contributed immensely to the golden age of music in cinema.

·       He conferred the Ghantasala Memorial Award on Shri Nagoor Babu (Mano), renowned playback singer.

·       Earlier, the Vice President witnessed the performances of Shri Mano and various other artists, who gave rendition to many timeless melodies of Shri Ghantasala.

·       Dr. K.V. Ramanachari, Advisor, Government of Telangana, Shri Mandali Buddha Prasad, Former Deputy Speaker, Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Dr. R. Prabhakar Rao, Former Director General of Police, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Maddali Raghuram, General Secretary, Kinnera Art Theatre and other dignitaries were present during the event.

Ministry of Culture to organise a week-long celebration for ‘International Museum Day’ across its museums

Free entry for visitors to all the museums under Ministry of Culture across the country from 16th-20th May,2022

Under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsava, on the occasion of the upcoming International Museum Day (IMD) on 18^th May 2022, the Ministry of Culture, will organise a week-long celebration across its museums from 16^th May – 20^th May 2022.

Why is it in news?

The National Museum (New Delhi), National Gallery of Modern Art (New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru), Allahabad Museum (Prayagraj), Indian Museum (Kolkata), Victoria Memorial Hall (Kolkata), Salar Jung Museum (Hyderabad) and Science cities and centers under National Council of Science Museums (in 24 locations across India) are undertaking special initiatives throughout the designated week.

Highlights

·       The Ministry of Culture has already announced free entry for visitors to all the museums across the country under the Ministry of Culture during the week 16^th-20^th May, 2022.

·       Taking a cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent Mann Ki Baat address of 24^th April where  he urged listeners to visit museums with their friends and make #MuseumMemories, a slew of special programs as well as widened outreach strategies to attract a diverse and inclusive audience have been carefully curated by the national museums. Special exhibitions, projection mapping shows, extended museum hours, free admission for the week, music/dance performances including flash-mob and targeted activities for children such as clay-modelling, miniature painting, origami workshops have been organized in an attempt to offer a holistic museum experience to all age groups. Limited edition museum merchandise as well as photo booths in all museums are also being launched as part of the commemoration.

·       In line with Ministry of Culture’s renewed mandate of ‘Reimagining Museums in India’ a Global Summit was held in February this year, they are set to announce the launch of ‘Museum’ - a hackathon with museum-centric problem statements; and a ‘Museums in India’ mobile app containing a digital repository of their collections. A webinar titled ‘Museology as a Profession: Challenges and prospects’ will also be held on the occasion of IMD 2022, by National Museum Institute. Additionally, a quiz is being hosted in collaboration with MyGov to popularize these repositories of our collective heritage.