Maharashtra Faceless Regional Transport Office launched

On 2 June 2022, Maharashtra government launched faceless Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to help the citizens of the state to avail facilities like driving license etc. without the need to be physically present at the RTO.

Why is it in news?

Notably, the faceless services will be Aadhaar based, so there is no possibility of fraud or duplication.

Highlights

• The initiative was launched by the Minister of State for Transport, Satej Patil.

• Will need to be physically present at the RTO for verification of Permanent Driving License or International Driving License.

• These services have been made available with immediate effect.

• It will help in saving paper and citizens will have to link their Aadhaar number with their mobile phone to participate in the faceless RTO scheme.

'Har Ghar Dastak 2.0' campaign launched

Recently 'Har Ghar Dastak 2.0' campaign has been launched across the country to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries receive full COVID-19 vaccination.

Why is it in news?

The campaign pays special attention to immunization of people in the age group of 12 to 14 years and precautionary doses for those above 60 years of age.

Highlights

• It is a two-month-long door-to-door campaign which will run from 1st June to 31st July 2022.

• Significantly, the Union Health Ministry expressed concern over the slow pace of Kovid vaccination. Therefore, on May 20, the Ministry advised all Union Territories and States to launch a two-month-long Har Ghar Dastak 2.0 campaign with detailed plans for all blocks, districts and villages.

• The objective of this campaign is to vaccinate all eligible population groups across the country through first, second and precautionary doses through door-to-door campaigns.

Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs 

More than 193.53 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs

More than 14.93 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs

The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16^th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21^st June 2021.

Why is it in news?

The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.

Highlights

·       As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.

·       More than 193.53 crore (1,93,53,58,865) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category.

·       More than 14.93 Cr (14,93,35,105) balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

India to contest for re-election to International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Council

Ms. M. Revathi proposed as India’s candidate for Member, Radio Regulations Board (RRB)

India shares dream/vision of ITU, to realize the world, as connected society, and enabling ICTs, to accomplish SDGs 2030: Shri Devusinh Chauhan at WSIS 2022

 “India, under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, has been at the fore front, of global digital transformation, achieving excellence in development, and use of Information and Communication Technologies,” said Shri Devusinh Chauhan, Minister of State for Communications during World Summit of Information Society (WSIS) 2022. 

Why is it in news?

Shri Devusinh Chauhan, led the Indian Delegation to participate in WSIS 2022 during 31st May – 3rd June 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland.

WSIS is co-organized by International Telecommunications Union (ITU), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in close collaboration with all WSIS Action Line co-/facilitators and other UN organizations. It is an on-going process since WSIS Summit in 2003 to take forward initiatives in building the information society for the world community.

Highlights

·       India is contesting, for re-election, to the ITU Council, for the term 2023-2026. India has been a member of ITU since 1869 and has been continuously participating, actively in the works, and activities of the Union, and has been contributing, to the fullest possible extent, in the growth and development, of Telecom/ICTs, for the benefit of global community.

·       Speaking at the reception for introducing India’s Radio Regulations Board (RRB) Candidate and ITU Council candidature of India for re-election, Shri Devusinh Chauhan said that India shares the dream, and vision of ITU, to realize the world, as connected society, and enabling ICTs, to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

·       Proposing name of Ms. M. Revathi, as India’s candidate for Member, RRB, the Minister said that Ms. Revathi, has a proven track record, of professional expertise, leadership capabilities, commitment to deliver time bound tasks, systematic problem-solving capability, and framing regulations, for inclusive ICT development.

·       Shri Devusinh Chauhan reiterated India’s firm commitment, to contribute to the realization, of the ITU’s goals and appealed the participants, to support, India’s candidature, for ITU Council, and Ms. Revathi’s candidature, for RRB. 

·       During the event, the Minister participated in the several sessions including High-Level policy session on “Bridging the Digital Divide”, Ministerial Round Table meeting on ICT for well being, inclusion, and resilience and a High level Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence (AI). While delivering high level policy statement on digital divide, he apprised the global forum about the Indian Government's initiatives like Bharatnet to cover all 6 lakh villages, umbrella mobile coverage for all villages, high speed internet access to all and many other initiatives. Also apprised that India successfully got a customised standards approved which will help in spreading 5G in rural areas.

·       During the high level meetings related to ICT and AI, Shri Devusinh Chauhan briefed the participants about initiatives taken up by India for development of reliable ICT infrastructure, and efforts by the government to realise potential of AI.

·       The minister said that India, being one of the fastest-growing economies, has a significant stake, in the AI revolution, given its disruptive nature, and potential, to transform economies. The minister said that India, being one of the fastest-growing economies, has a significant stake, in the AI revolution, given its disruptive nature, and potential, to transform economies.

·       On the sidelines of WSIS 2022, Minister of State for Communications, Shri Devusinh Chauhan held multiple bilateral meetings and met several dignitaries and excellencies such as the Deputy Secretary of ITU, Mr. Malcom Johnson, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Iran, Mr. Issa Zarepour, Vice Minister of Policy Co-ordination of Japan, Mr. Yuji Sasaki, Secretary General of ITU, Mr. Haolin Zhou. The Minister presented them with a miniature memento of the World’s largest Statue, The Statue of Unity (Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel).

·       The Hon’ble secretary General of ITU, Mr. Haolin Zhou appreciated the initiatives by India in ICT. The WISS chairman Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim noted India as a successful case study.

India to contest for re-election to International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Council

Ms. M. Revathi proposed as India’s candidate for Member, Radio Regulations Board (RRB)

India shares dream/vision of ITU, to realize the world, as connected society, and enabling ICTs, to accomplish SDGs 2030: Shri Devusinh Chauhan at WSIS 2022

 “India, under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, has been at the fore front, of global digital transformation, achieving excellence in development, and use of Information and Communication Technologies,” said Shri Devusinh Chauhan, Minister of State for Communications during World Summit of Information Society (WSIS) 2022. 

Why is it in news?

Shri Devusinh Chauhan, led the Indian Delegation to participate in WSIS 2022 during 31st May – 3rd June 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland.

WSIS is co-organized by International Telecommunications Union (ITU), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in close collaboration with all WSIS Action Line co-/facilitators and other UN organizations. It is an on-going process since WSIS Summit in 2003 to take forward initiatives in building the information society for the world community.

Highlights

·       India is contesting, for re-election, to the ITU Council, for the term 2023-2026. India has been a member of ITU since 1869 and has been continuously participating, actively in the works, and activities of the Union, and has been contributing, to the fullest possible extent, in the growth and development, of Telecom/ICTs, for the benefit of global community.

·       Speaking at the reception for introducing India’s Radio Regulations Board (RRB) Candidate and ITU Council candidature of India for re-election, Shri Devusinh Chauhan said that India shares the dream, and vision of ITU, to realize the world, as connected society, and enabling ICTs, to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

·       Proposing name of Ms. M. Revathi, as India’s candidate for Member, RRB, the Minister said that Ms. Revathi, has a proven track record, of professional expertise, leadership capabilities, commitment to deliver time bound tasks, systematic problem-solving capability, and framing regulations, for inclusive ICT development.

·       Shri Devusinh Chauhan reiterated India’s firm commitment, to contribute to the realization, of the ITU’s goals and appealed the participants, to support, India’s candidature, for ITU Council, and Ms. Revathi’s candidature, for RRB. 

·       During the event, the Minister participated in the several sessions including High-Level policy session on “Bridging the Digital Divide”, Ministerial Round Table meeting on ICT for well being, inclusion, and resilience and a High level Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence (AI). While delivering high level policy statement on digital divide, he apprised the global forum about the Indian Government's initiatives like Bharatnet to cover all 6 lakh villages, umbrella mobile coverage for all villages, high speed internet access to all and many other initiatives. Also apprised that India successfully got a customised standards approved which will help in spreading 5G in rural areas.

·       During the high level meetings related to ICT and AI, Shri Devusinh Chauhan briefed the participants about initiatives taken up by India for development of reliable ICT infrastructure, and efforts by the government to realise potential of AI.

·       The minister said that India, being one of the fastest-growing economies, has a significant stake, in the AI revolution, given its disruptive nature, and potential, to transform economies. The minister said that India, being one of the fastest-growing economies, has a significant stake, in the AI revolution, given its disruptive nature, and potential, to transform economies.

·       On the sidelines of WSIS 2022, Minister of State for Communications, Shri Devusinh Chauhan held multiple bilateral meetings and met several dignitaries and excellencies such as the Deputy Secretary of ITU, Mr. Malcom Johnson, Minister of Communications and Information Technology of Iran, Mr. Issa Zarepour, Vice Minister of Policy Co-ordination of Japan, Mr. Yuji Sasaki, Secretary General of ITU, Mr. Haolin Zhou. The Minister presented them with a miniature memento of the World’s largest Statue, The Statue of Unity (Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel).

·       The Hon’ble secretary General of ITU, Mr. Haolin Zhou appreciated the initiatives by India in ICT. The WISS chairman Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim noted India as a successful case study.