Union Agriculture Minister inaugurates the national seminar of Bihar Agricultural University through video conference

Unprecedented work done in agriculture sector during 8 years of Modi government - Shri Narendra Singh Tomar

Priority is being given to the existing challenges while making agriculture sustainable: Shri Tomar

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar  inaugurated the national seminar at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour today. Addressing the seminar, Shri Tomar said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government is working on promotion of agriculture through various schemes and programmes, which are impacting the agriculture sector, as well as increasing the income of farmers. During the last 8 years, unprecedented work has been done in the agriculture sector in the country. While making agriculture sustainable, the existing challenges are being addressed on priority.

Why is it in news?

Addressing the seminar on “Recent Developments in Nutrient Management Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture: Indian Context” through video conference, the Chief Guest Shri Tomar said that the Central Government has left no stone unturned in providing income support to the farmers. So far, more than Rs 2 lakh crore has been deposited in the bank accounts of 11.5 crore farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.

Highlights

·       This is the biggest programme in the world undertaken by the Modi government. Facilities worth over Rupees 1.5 lakh crore in the agriculture sector are being made available under the special package including the Rs. 1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. As a result of the farmer friendly policies of the government and the hard work of farmers and scientists, India is a prosperous nation today in terms of agricultural produce and India has supplied food grains to other countries even in adverse times. Today, India is at the first or second place in the world in terms of production of most of the agricultural produce, while agricultural produce worth Rs.3.75 lakh crore were exported, which is a record.

·       Shri Tomar said that there is a need to work towards making maximum use of technology in agriculture, attracting farmers towards remunerative crops, reducing the cost of farming, providing the best price to farmers for their produce, reducing dependence on fertilizers, motivating them towards soil health with a view to save power and water in irrigation and increase productivity. The Government of India is working closely with the State Governments in this regard. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is also working at a fast pace, along with the agricultural universities and other institutes. Shri Tomar said that Bihar is a farming state, where about 70 percent of the population is engaged in agriculture. Bihar is also excellent from the point of view of agricultural productivity, while many crop varieties have been developed here, due to which the state is not only getting good returns, but is also contributing to the agricultural growth of the country. Describing the management of nutrients as the need of the hour, he said that such a seminar would definitely be beneficial in this regard.

·       Earlier, the Vice Chancellor Dr. Arun Kumar presented a progress report of the university. A souvenir published on the occasion was released by the guests. More than 250 scientists, researchers and teachers are participating in the two-day seminar. A report on the findings of the seminar will be provided by the university to the Central and State Government and on the basis of the report, the University will take appropriate steps to give further impetus to sustainable agriculture.

After a 9-year lull, India and EU re-launch negotiations for India-EU Free Trade Agreement

Shri Piyush Goyal & Mr. Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission also announce the launch of negotiations for an Investment Protection Agreement and a GI Agreement at a joint event at the EU headquarters at Brussels

The first round of negotiations to begin on 27th June in New Delhi

Among the most significant FTAs for India as EU is its 2nd largest trading partner, India-EU merchandise trade registered an all-time high value of USD 116.36 Billion in 2021-22 with a year-on growth of 43.5%

In a joint event held at the Headquarters of the European Union (EU) at Brussels yesterday, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal, and Mr. Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President of European Commission formally re-launched the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. Besides, negotiations were also launched for a stand-alone Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) and a Geographical Indicators (GIs) Agreement.

Why is it in news?

Last year, in the India and EU Leaders’ Meeting held in Porto on 8th May 2021, an agreement was reached for resuming negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive and mutually beneficial FTA and starting fresh negotiations on the IPA and a separate agreement on GIs.  Both partners are now resuming the FTA talks after a gap of about nine years since the earlier negotiations were left off in 2013 due to difference in the scope and expectations from the deal.

Highlights

·       The Delhi visit of the European Commission President Ms. Ursula von der Leyen in April 2022, and the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Europe accelerated the FTA discussions and helped in defining a clear roadmap for the negotiations.

·       This would be one of the most significant FTAs for India as EU is its second largest trading partner after the US.  The India-EU merchandise trade has registered an all-time high value of USD 116.36 Billion in 2021-22 with a year-on growth of 43.5%.  India’s export to the EU jumped 57% in FY 2021-22 to $65 billion.  India has a surplus trade with EU.

·       Considering that both partners have similar fundamental values and common interests and are two of the largest open market economies, the trade deal will help to diversify and secure the supply chains, boost economic opportunities for our businesses, and bring significant benefits to the people. Both sides are aiming for the trade negotiations to be broad-based, balanced and comprehensive, based on the principles of fairness and reciprocity. There will also be discussions on resolving the Market Access Issues which are impeding the bilateral trade. 

·       While the proposed IPA would provide a legal framework for cross-border investments to enhance the confidence of investors, the GI pact is expected to establish a transparent and predictable regulatory environment, to facilitate trade of GI products including handicrafts and agri-commodities.  Both parties are aiming to negotiate all the three agreements in parallel and conclude them simultaneously.  The first round of negotiations for all the three agreements will be held from 27th June to 1st July 2022 in New Delhi.

·       India earlier this year has concluded FTAs with Australia and the UAE in a record time.  The FTA talks with Canada and the UK are also underway.  The FTA negotiations are part of India’s broader strategy to forge balanced trade agreements with key economies and revamp existing trade pacts to improve trade and investment.

Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) organised ‘Yoga Mahotsav’ today at Purana Qila

Yoga is the medium which keeps together body, mind, intellect and soul: Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal

Yoga is the key to a   healthy and active life: Smt Meenakshi Lekhi

Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) organised  ‘Yoga Mahotsav’ today at Purana Qila, New Delhi, as part of International Day of Yoga 2022 celebrations. The event aimed to instill the everlasting value of cultural wellness amongst the people.

Why is it in news?

The event was attended by  Minister of State for Culture and Parliamentary  Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Minister of State for Culture and External  Affairs, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi.

 More than 500 people including officials of the Culture Ministry and foreign delegates from more than 40 countries participated in  the event.

Highlights

·       The event started with Reciting of Saraswati Vandana followed by a session of Yoga by instructors from Morarji desai National institute of Yoga .

·       On the ocassion Smt Meenakshi Lekhi said Yoga is the key to a healthy and active life  . She also said that with the efforts of PM Shri Narendra Modi Yoga has spread far and wide even  at the global level.

·       She emphasised on how yoga leads to the flexibility of body, mind, ethos and thoughts. Smt Lekhi  also discussed the importance of practising yoga and connecting with nature in order to be flexible .

·       On the occasion Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal said Yoga helps to  keep body, mind, intellect and soul together. The Union Minister also appealed to make International Day of Yoga a success on 21^st June by practicing yoga and sharing its benefits  with others.

Agnipath - Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh approves 10% reservation of jobs for Agniveers in Indian Coast Guard, Defence Civilian posts & 16 DPSUs

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved a proposal to reserve 10% of the job vacancies in Ministry of Defence for Agniveers meeting requisite eligibility criteria.

Why is it in news?

The 10% reservation will be implemented in the Indian Coast Guard, defence civilian posts and all the 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings - Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Limited, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL), Mishra Dhatu Nigam (Midhani) Limited, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited  (AVNL), Advanced Weapons & Equipment India Ltd. (AW&EIL), Munitions India Limited (MIL), Yantra India Limited (YIL), Gliders India Limited (GIL), India Optel Limited (IOL) and Troop Comforts Limited (TCL). This reservation would be in addition to existing reservations for ex-servicemen.

Highlights

Necessary amendments to relevant recruitment rules will be undertaken to implement these provisions. The DPSUs will be advised to make similar amendments to their respective recruitment rules. Necessary age relaxation provision will also be made to enable recruitment of Agniveers to the above posts.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan suggests inclusion of Yoga in school curriculum

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan calls for prioritising Yoga from ECCE to Class 12th

Union Education and Skill Development Minister  inaugurates National Yoga Olympiad - 2022 and quiz competition

Union Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates the National Yoga Olympiad - 2022 and quiz competition as a Chief Guest. Minister of State for Education Shri Subhas Sarkar was also present on the occasion.

Why is it in news?

The National Yoga Olympiad is being organised jointly by the Ministry of Education and the National Council of Educational Research and Training from 18^th to 20^th June 2022. This year about 600 students from 26 states/UTs and Demonstration Multipurpose Schools of Regional Institutions of Education will be participating in the forthcoming National Yoga Olympiad.

Highlights

·       Speaking on the occasion Shri Pradhan said that yoga has served humanity in alleviating sufferings and building resilience, especially during the post-Covid era. The Minister highlighted that to encourage healthier choices and bring people even more closer together, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has suitably chosen this year’s theme as Yoga For Humanity. He further said that Yoga is India’s gift to the world and it has gained tremendous popularity globally since the UN General Assembly adopted Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's proposal to celebrate 21st June as International Day of Yoga. Yoga is uniting the world in the pursuit of good health and wellness, he added.

·       The Minister stressted that NEP 2020 lays special emphasis on the physical and emotional well-being of both students and teachers. Sports-integrated learning will inculcate sportsman spirit and help students adopt fitness as a lifelong attitude, he added.

·       Shri Pradhan said Yoga is an integral part of health, wellness and physical education.  He suggested NCERT to include the ancient wisdom of Yoga in our curriculum. While we are in the process of developing the NCF, we must prioritise yoga right from ECCE to Class 12th level. He also suggested NCERT to conduct yoga olympiads at the school, block, district and state levels.  He said Involving school students from every block will further the legacy of yoga and also help in making yoga as a lifestyle.

·       The  Minister congratulated all the selected students who are representing their states/UTs in the National Yoga Olympiad.  He appreciated them for their participation right from the block level.

·       While addressing the participants Shri Sarkar said that yoga has to be popularised as a part of the National Education Policy 2020. He added that the is aim to promote such an education system which gives the citizen a vision to see the country in a unified form. He also stated that in the Yoga Olympiad,  asana, pranayama, kriya, meditation etc will be demonstrated by the students, so that they will be able to understand the importance of yoga experientially. He also re-emphasised on the values of Yoga which is now globally accepted and how it would be able to accelerate the sustainable lifestyle worldwide.

·       The theme for this year is “Yoga for Humanity”. It is an acknowledged fact that yogic asanas are beneficial to all in maintaining quality health and holistic personality.

·       The NCERT started the National Yoga Olympiad in 2016. Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the whole world came to a standstill, the spirit of yoga was kept alive by organizing a Quiz competition. In that event, students of KVs, NVs and students from Demonstration Multipurpose Schools of Regional Institutions of Education participated in a large number. This year too, along with the national yoga Olympiad, quiz competitions on yoga will be organised.He also re-emphasised on the values of Yoga which is now globally accepted and how it would be able to accelerate the sustainable lifestyle worldwide.

·       Vice Chairman, AICTE, Shri M.P Poonia; Director NCERT, Prof. Dinesh Prasad Saklani; Joint Director, NCERT,  Prof. Shridhar Srivastava; Secretary, NCERT – Prof. Pratyush Kumar Mandal, and senior officials of Ministry of Education and students from various parts of India attended the event.