PM inaugurates India's biggest Drone Festival - Bharat Drone Mahotsav 2022

“Exactly 8 years ago we started implementing new mantras of good governance in India following the path of minimum government - maximum governance”

“Technology has helped a lot in furthering the vision of saturation and in ensuring last-mile delivery”

“We have made technology a key tool to impart new strength, speed and scale to the country”

“Today we are making technology available to the masses first”

“When technology goes to the masses, possibilities of its use also increase accordingly”

“Promotion of drone technology is another medium of advancing our commitment to good governance and ease of living”

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated India's biggest Drone Festival - Bharat Drone Mahotsav 2022 today. He also interacted with Kissan drone pilots, witnessed open-air drone demonstrations and interacted with startups in the drone exhibition centre.

Union Ministers Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Shri Giriraj Singh, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Shri Bhupendra Yadav, many Ministers of State and leaders and entrepreneurs of drone industry were among those present on the occasion. The Prime Minister also gave away 150 drone pilot certificates.

Why is it in news?

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister conveyed his fascination and interest in the drone sector and said that he was deeply impressed by the drone exhibition and the spirit of the entrepreneurs and innovation in the sector. The Prime Minister also talked about his interaction with farmers and young engineers. He said that the energy and enthusiasm in the drone sector are visible and indicate India’s strength and desire to leapfrog into a leading position. “The sector shows great possibilities of a major sector for employment generation”, he said.

Highlights

·       Recalling the new beginning exactly 8 years ago, the Prime Minister said “this was the time 8 years ago when we started implementing new mantras of good governance in India. Following the path of minimum government, and maximum governance, we have made ease of living, and ease of doing business a priority. We connected every citizen of the country with the facilities and welfare schemes by moving forward on the path of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas.

·       The Prime Minister pointed out that during the earlier governments, technology was considered part of the problem and efforts were made to portray it as anti-poor. Due to this, there was an atmosphere of indifference regarding the use of technology in governance before 2014.

·       The technology could not become part of the mood of the governance. The poor, the deprived, and the middle class suffered the most due to this. He also recalled the complicated procedures for availing basic facilities leading to a sense of deprivation and fear.

·       He said progress is possible only when we change with time. He added that technology has helped a lot in furthering the vision of saturation and in ensuring last-mile delivery. And I know that we can achieve the goal of Antyodaya by moving forward at this pace and are able to provide the poor segment with their entitlement by the use of Jan Dhan, Aaadhar, Mobile (JAM) trinity, he said. Experience of the last 8 years further strengthens my belief, the Prime Minister added. “We have made technology a key tool to impart new strength, speed and scale to the country”, Shri Modi emphasized.

·       The Prime Minister informed that today with the help of the Robust UPI framework developed by the country, lakhs of crores of rupees are being transferred directly to the bank account of the poor. Women, farmers, and students are now getting help directly from the government.

·       The Prime Minister cited PM Swamitva Yojana as an example of how drone technology is becoming the basis of a major revolution. Under this scheme, for the first time, every property in the villages of the country is being digitally mapped and digital property cards are being given to the people. “Promotion of drone technology is another medium of advancing our commitment to good governance and ease of living.  In the form of drones, we have got a smart tool that is going to be part and parcel of common people’s lives'', he said.

·       The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of drone technology in the fields of defence, disaster management, agriculture, tourism, film and entertainment. He said that the use of this technology is bound to increase in the coming days. The Prime Minister also narrated the use of drones in his official decision making through examples of PRAGATI reviews and Kedarnath projects.

·       The Prime Minister said that drone technology is going to play a major role in empowering farmers and modernize their lives as villages are witnessing the arrival of roads, electricity, optical fibre and digital technology.

·       Still, agriculture work is being conducted in old ways, leading to hassles, low productivity and wastage. He also talked about continued dependence on the revenue department with regard to activities ranging from land records to flood and drought relief. The drone has emerged as an effective tool to tackle all these issues, he said. The Prime Minister also said that measures taken to help agriculture sectors have ensured that technology is no longer intimidating for the farmers.

·       The Prime Minister recalled that in earlier times, technology and its inventions were considered to be meant for the elite class. Today we are making technology available to the masses first, he said.

·       Till a few months back, there were a lot of restrictions on drones. We have removed most of the restrictions in a very short time. We are also moving towards creating a strong drone manufacturing ecosystem in India through schemes like PLI. “When technology goes to the masses, possibilities of its use also increase accordingly”, the Prime Minister concluded.

Thousands in Hyderabad join Yoga Utsav to mark 25 days countdown to International Day of Yoga

Guardian Ring - a relay yoga streaming event - to bring all yoga celebrations from far east to far west throughout 24 hours of International Day of Yoga

More than 25 crores joins the run up Yog Utsavs at 75 iconic places across India as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav

‘Digital Yoga Exhibition’ at Mysuru on IDY to showcase & highlight major achievements and various aspects of Yoga

Thousands of people from all walks of life joined the Yoga Utsav at Hyderabad here today to mark the 25 days countdown to International Day of Yoga (IDY2022). The event was organised by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India with active support from Government of Telangana. The event saw participation by the Governor of Telengana, Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, along with the Union Minister for Ayush, Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal; the Union Minister for Tourism, Culture & DoNER, Shri G Kishan Reddy; the MoS for Ayush and WCD Dr Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai; and the Minister of Finance, Health, Medical & Family Welfare in Government of Telegana, Shri Thanneeru Harish Rao. The theme of the Utsav was ‘Make Yoga a part of Your Life.’

Why is it in news?

The event was conducted by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the Ministry of Ayush where more than 10,000 yoga enthusiasts performed Common Yoga Protocol (CYP). The session was directed by Dr Ishwar V. Basavaraddi, Director, MDNIY. The event was aimed at creating awareness about the various dimensions of Yoga and its ability to enrich human lives.

The Utsav, whose theme is “Make Yoga a part of Your Life”, was attended by many celebrities from the world of sports, cinema and culture who observed CYP at the event along with other yoga enthusiasts.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said that we must celebrate our rich heritage by making Yoga a part of our lives. It enriches our health & mind.

He said that the success of today’s event will give further momentum towards the 8th International Day of Yoga on 21st June in Mysuru where Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji will lead the elaborate celebration  of Yoga by enthusiasts and practitioners across the world.

The Minister said that the idea behind this Yoga Utsav is to encourage people to take up Yoga, a wonderful gift of our thousands of years of civilization, so that they can enrich their quality of life.

Shri  Sonowal further announced another major attraction, known as “Guardian Ring”, whereby the yoga celebrations happening across the world will be relayed throughout the Yoga day. Every year, the missions abroad organise Yoga activities on International Day of Yoga. The Guardian Ring activity will string together the feed from different Missions.

The streaming will be initiated from Japan- the land of the rising Sun- at 6 AM local time and, then, move westward.  As and when the sun rises, streaming will be done from other countries.  There will be a live telecast on DD India. “The Guardian Ring” underlines “One Sun, One Earth” concept and showcases the unification power of Yoga. As part of our run up events, as many as 25 crores or more would join in these Yoga Utsavs at 75 iconic places across India as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, added the Minister.

The Yoga Utsavs were also organised at five Archaeological sites viz., Rakhigari (Haryana), Hastinapur (Uttar Pradesh), Sivasagar (Assam), Dholavira (Gujarat) and Adichanallur (Tamil Nadu)) into “iconic” sites across India. The curtain raiser event to mark the 100 days countdown to IDY2022 was celebrated on 13th March while a 75 day countdown event was organized at the Red Fort in Delhi.

This was followed by a 50 day countdown event at Shiva Doul temple complex in Sivasagar, Assam on May 2, 2022. The celebration of International Day of Yoga on 21st June will be at Mysuru in Karnataka where Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi will lead the Mass Yoga Demonstration.

The Ministry is also planning to organise a Digital Yoga Exhibition at Mysuru to show case highlights and achievements of all previous editions of International Day of Yoga. The exhibition will also include strength of Yoga, best practice, research highlights, Common Yoga Protocol etc.

The eight edition of International Day of Yoga is being promoted through multiple programmes by the Ministry to take the message of Yoga across the world to a wider audience. The International Day of Yoga is celebrated across the world on June 21 every year. This year, the Yoga Utsav is being celebrated across 75 heritage sites of historical importance as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ in order to give a fillip to the brand India.

All the ministries of the government, defence forces & other uniformed service organisations are working together to make this movement towards wellness through Yoga a grand success.

In order to bring everyone within the ambit of this movement, the Ministry of Ayush is planning to engage with all the Gram Panchayats across the length & breadth of the country. This will take the movement beyond the urban areas and into the heart of India. The Ministry is committed to encourage more and more participation from the rural areas.

Government of India has set a target to achieve 100 Million Tonnes Coal Gasification by 2030: Additional Secretary, Coal Ministry

Technology adoption is the key in coal and mining sector to meet the future demand: Addl Secretary

Ministry of Coal with the support of Power, Steel and Mines Ministries organizes National Mineral Congress in Bhubaneswar

The Ministry of Coal organized the National Mineral Congress in Bhubaneswar today with the support of Power Ministry, Steel Ministry and Mines Ministry. Addressing the Congress through virtual mode, Shri Anil Kumar Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, wished all success to the National Mineral Congress and hoped to get valuable outcome through the deliberations of the stakeholders.

Why is it in news?

Addressing the National Mineral Congress as the Chief Guest, Shri VK Tiwari, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, said that the Ministry has prepared a National Mission document to achieve 100 MT Coal Gasification by 2030. “Coal gasification is future. It is considered as cleaner option compared to burning of coal. Gasification facilitates utilization of the chemical properties of coal,” he said.

Highlights

·       Shri Tiwari said that technological advancements are offering greater coal recovery, flexibility in mining operations, increased productivity, greater safety and lowering cost. “Companies need to adopt new technologies and build digital infrastructure to support the current and future requirements. There is a need to ensure optimal use of technology in the sector,” the additional secretary said.

·       Talking about challenges in aluminum sector, Shri Tiwari said that India is blessed with huge bauxite resources about 3,896 million tonnes to meet its future need however he added that India’s reserve constitute only 17 percent of its resources, which is about 656 million tonnes. “There is a need to convert those resources into proven reserve to boost bauxite production. We also need to come up with plans to use scrap to make quality products,” he said.

·       The additional secretary talked about the roadmap for coal to hydrogen and said that India’s hydrogen demand is likely to increase to 11.7 million tonnes by 2030 from 6.7 million tonnes per year as of now. “Refineries and fertilizer plants are the largest consumers of hydrogen now, which is being produced from natural gas. It can be produced through coal in the processes during coal gasification,” he added.

·       Shri Tiwari said that Conferences like this provide an opportunity to brainstorm and improve across the sectors. “We have started commercialization of the sector, which is showing results. Double approval has been removed; process of mine allocation made online and gasification has been incentivized. We are taking steps to support the sector from all around,” he said.

·       The National Mineral Congress being organized by Indian National Committee of World Mining Congress today saw participation of industry experts from 20 prominent companies. Discussion was held on challenges in aluminum and steel sector, coal gasification and road map for carbon to hydrogen. On Saturday, the delegates will be visiting the Coal Gasification Plant of JSPL in Angul.

Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Smt. Anupriya Patel launches Indian Business Portal - e-commerce marketplace

Portal  to empower SMEs, Artisans and Farmers  and support our Indian exporters to get global visibility

Portal to  focus on promotion of GI products from India

Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Smt. Anupriya Patel launched the Indian Business Portal - An International Trade Hub for Indian Exporters and Foreign Buyers here today.

Why is it in news?

FIEO in partnership with GlobalLinker, has designed and developed the “Indian Business Portal”, an International Trade Hub for Indian Exporters and Foreign Buyers. This is a B2B digital marketplace to empower SME exporters, artisans and farmers to identify new markets for their products and grow their sales globally.

Highlights

·       Launching the portal Smt. Anupriya Patel said, “Indian Business Portal addresses a number of elements which are part of the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and a commitment of this government like digitizing exporters, supporting MSME and encouraging greater exports of products Made in India.”

·       The Minister mentioned that during the pandemic online platforms, such as e-commerce have shown immense potential in supporting millions of businesses to sustain themselves.

·       She further mentioned that this initiative has come at a very appropriate time as currently Indian exports are witnessing robust growth. India’s overall exports (i.e., Services and Merchandise) touched USD 676.2 Billion in financial year 2021-2022 as both Services and Merchandise hit record high exports in financial year 2021-2022. India’s overall exports were USD 526.6 Billion and USD 497.9 Billion in 2019-20 and 2020-21 respectively.

·       The Minister further informed that India’s Merchandise exports had crossed USD 400 Billion milestone in Financial Year 2021-2022 and stood at USD 421.8 Billion which is a phenomenal increase of 44.6 percent and 34.6 percent over 2020-21 and 2019-20 respectively.

·       Lauding the initiative of FIEO, Smt. Patel said that Indian Business Portal will be a big encouragement to Indian Startups, SMEs, Artisans & Farmers (GI Products), and Service providers to take their first step toward the exports.

·       She expressed hope that more exporters will engage on the Indian Business Portal and would provide their valued feedback to FIEO. Smt  Patel  also mentioned that this is the most opportune time for the young entrepreneurs to get into business and exports.

·       Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Director General of Foreign Trade, Govt. of India said tech-enabled governance will play a key role in determining India’s growth and competitiveness. The government is focused on paperless, automated processing systems, simple procedures for trade players, online data exchange between departments, digital payments & acknowledgements. Lauding the efforts of FIEO, he said that Progress in technology helps develop the economy and strengthen Indian firms in the competitive global market.

·       In his address, Dr. A Sakthivel, President FIEO said that  FIEO has been championing the cause of Indian exporters and in a digital era.  He further stated that FIEO could do much more for the exporters and help boost India’s export opportunities through a digital platform solution. Our SMEs are blessed with vast skills, unique product portfolios and diversity, he added.

·       Dr. Ajay Sahai, Director General & CEO, FIEO stated that FIEO’s vision is to focus on innovation to provide new and value-added services to exporters.  He said, “Over a period of time, we will seek to build trade corridors with a number of countries for small businesses to trade efficiently through this partnership. The platform will facilitate the enhancement of India's trade linkages for the International markets”.  The portal has a diverse product mix i.e Consumer & Lifestyle Products, Industrial Products, Business Services and Geographical Indication (GI) products. This portal holds special value for artisans and farmers’ products dealing in Indian GI and handicraft products. India has about 370 GI-certified products across various categories, he added.

·       Shri  Sameer Vakil, Co-founder & CEO, GlobalLinker, said "FIEO is helping businesses navigate international market opportunities through its wide range of progressive initiatives.  He said  that FIEO’s domain expertise, combined with its partnership with GlobalLinker has led to the creation of the Indian Business Portal, where businesses ranging from artisans to women entrepreneurs and from farmers producing GI products to leading star export houses can create digital catalogues for the world to discover.  

·       Proposing the vote of thanks Mr Khalid Khan, Vice President, FIEO requested the participants to give feedback/suggestion to continually enhance the portal with new features and make it more valuable for the industry.

About the Portal:

Indian Business Portal is the only such marketplace that is exclusive for exporters registered in India and is custom-built to support exporters with a range of bespoke features and relevant partners integrated to build this ecosystem.

Strategic objectives of Indian Business Portal:

·         Digitizing Indian Exporters and help them become discoverable online

·         Promoting exports from all Indian States

·         Showcasing India’s strength in wide range of Products & Services

·         Encouraging virtual meetings between buyers and sellers

·         Providing a trusted network of Indian Exporters to Foreign Buyers

  14000+ SMEs are registered on the FIEO GlobalLinker platform and of those 2000+ have already joined with over 40,000+products and services listed on Indian Business Portal for the pilot before launch.

 Global Visibility – FIEO will promote the marketplace worldwide to help Indian exporters, SMEs, artisans promote their products and services globally.

 Business Meetings - Facility to create buyer & seller meetings has been provided, and also the option for overseas consumers to directly buy from artisans and exporters who offer smaller quantities of their products.

Geographical Indication (GI) products - A special focus has been dedicated to empowering Indian artisans, farmers, and producers dealing in over 370 Indian Geographical Indication (GI) Categories by helping them digitize their catalogues and showcase their unique offerings globally through Indian Business Portal.

 v

Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Smt. Anupriya Patel launches Indian Business Portal - e-commerce marketplace

Portal  to empower SMEs, Artisans and Farmers  and support our Indian exporters to get global visibility

Portal to  focus on promotion of GI products from India

Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Smt. Anupriya Patel launched the Indian Business Portal - An International Trade Hub for Indian Exporters and Foreign Buyers here today.

Why is it in news?

FIEO in partnership with GlobalLinker, has designed and developed the “Indian Business Portal”, an International Trade Hub for Indian Exporters and Foreign Buyers. This is a B2B digital marketplace to empower SME exporters, artisans and farmers to identify new markets for their products and grow their sales globally.

Highlights

·       Launching the portal Smt. Anupriya Patel said, “Indian Business Portal addresses a number of elements which are part of the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and a commitment of this government like digitizing exporters, supporting MSME and encouraging greater exports of products Made in India.”

·       The Minister mentioned that during the pandemic online platforms, such as e-commerce have shown immense potential in supporting millions of businesses to sustain themselves.

·       She further mentioned that this initiative has come at a very appropriate time as currently Indian exports are witnessing robust growth. India’s overall exports (i.e., Services and Merchandise) touched USD 676.2 Billion in financial year 2021-2022 as both Services and Merchandise hit record high exports in financial year 2021-2022. India’s overall exports were USD 526.6 Billion and USD 497.9 Billion in 2019-20 and 2020-21 respectively.

·       The Minister further informed that India’s Merchandise exports had crossed USD 400 Billion milestone in Financial Year 2021-2022 and stood at USD 421.8 Billion which is a phenomenal increase of 44.6 percent and 34.6 percent over 2020-21 and 2019-20 respectively.

·       Lauding the initiative of FIEO, Smt. Patel said that Indian Business Portal will be a big encouragement to Indian Startups, SMEs, Artisans & Farmers (GI Products), and Service providers to take their first step toward the exports.

·       She expressed hope that more exporters will engage on the Indian Business Portal and would provide their valued feedback to FIEO. Smt  Patel  also mentioned that this is the most opportune time for the young entrepreneurs to get into business and exports.

·       Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Director General of Foreign Trade, Govt. of India said tech-enabled governance will play a key role in determining India’s growth and competitiveness. The government is focused on paperless, automated processing systems, simple procedures for trade players, online data exchange between departments, digital payments & acknowledgements. Lauding the efforts of FIEO, he said that Progress in technology helps develop the economy and strengthen Indian firms in the competitive global market.

·       In his address, Dr. A Sakthivel, President FIEO said that  FIEO has been championing the cause of Indian exporters and in a digital era.  He further stated that FIEO could do much more for the exporters and help boost India’s export opportunities through a digital platform solution. Our SMEs are blessed with vast skills, unique product portfolios and diversity, he added.

·       Dr. Ajay Sahai, Director General & CEO, FIEO stated that FIEO’s vision is to focus on innovation to provide new and value-added services to exporters.  He said, “Over a period of time, we will seek to build trade corridors with a number of countries for small businesses to trade efficiently through this partnership. The platform will facilitate the enhancement of India's trade linkages for the International markets”.  The portal has a diverse product mix i.e Consumer & Lifestyle Products, Industrial Products, Business Services and Geographical Indication (GI) products. This portal holds special value for artisans and farmers’ products dealing in Indian GI and handicraft products. India has about 370 GI-certified products across various categories, he added.

·       Shri  Sameer Vakil, Co-founder & CEO, GlobalLinker, said "FIEO is helping businesses navigate international market opportunities through its wide range of progressive initiatives.  He said  that FIEO’s domain expertise, combined with its partnership with GlobalLinker has led to the creation of the Indian Business Portal, where businesses ranging from artisans to women entrepreneurs and from farmers producing GI products to leading star export houses can create digital catalogues for the world to discover.  

·       Proposing the vote of thanks Mr Khalid Khan, Vice President, FIEO requested the participants to give feedback/suggestion to continually enhance the portal with new features and make it more valuable for the industry.

About the Portal:

Indian Business Portal is the only such marketplace that is exclusive for exporters registered in India and is custom-built to support exporters with a range of bespoke features and relevant partners integrated to build this ecosystem.

Strategic objectives of Indian Business Portal:

·         Digitizing Indian Exporters and help them become discoverable online

·         Promoting exports from all Indian States

·         Showcasing India’s strength in wide range of Products & Services

·         Encouraging virtual meetings between buyers and sellers

·         Providing a trusted network of Indian Exporters to Foreign Buyers

  14000+ SMEs are registered on the FIEO GlobalLinker platform and of those 2000+ have already joined with over 40,000+products and services listed on Indian Business Portal for the pilot before launch.

 Global Visibility – FIEO will promote the marketplace worldwide to help Indian exporters, SMEs, artisans promote their products and services globally.

 Business Meetings - Facility to create buyer & seller meetings has been provided, and also the option for overseas consumers to directly buy from artisans and exporters who offer smaller quantities of their products.

Geographical Indication (GI) products - A special focus has been dedicated to empowering Indian artisans, farmers, and producers dealing in over 370 Indian Geographical Indication (GI) Categories by helping them digitize their catalogues and showcase their unique offerings globally through Indian Business Portal.

 v