Annual Transparency Report (ATR) will help in creating trust in the system: NFRA chairman

By — Shyamal Sinha

There is a need to develop a system which encourages behavioural change on the part of the stakeholders rather than simply investigating and strive to promote transparency through initiatives such as the initiative of an Annual Transparency Report (ATR) for listed companies, stated Dr. Ajay Bhushan Prasad Pandey, IAS, Chairperson, National Financial Reporting Authority at the 5th National Conference on Indian Accounting Standards titled ‘Recent Developments, Evolving Global Trends, Challenges and Way Forward’ organized by apex trade association- ASSOCHAM.

During the keynote address at the event, Dr. Pandey clarified that the process of implementing this ATR system will begin with the top 1000 publicly listed companies, where auditors must make available detailed information regarding their legal, governance and management structures in the public domain to enhance trust. “A lot of companies are compliant with the E (Environment) in the ESG norms but are they equally compliant with the S (social) and G (Governance) norms as well? There is a need to focus on those aspects as well,” Dr Pandey said.

He stated that there is a need to tap technology to change the accounting and auditing side as well. “In the last couple of years, India has seen unprecedented digital transformation, granting all 1.4 billion citizens a digital identity. Usage of the UPI payment system, with 7 billion transactions amounting to 12 lakh crore, further underlines the profound scale of this shift.” he said. He further stated that these reforms have benefitted the banking system and the common people. “We have a total faceless income tax system today where everything is linked. If you have missed adding any income from any forgotten bank account, the system even reminds you of that,” he added.

The guest of honour, Shri Suresh Prabhu, Founding Chancellor of Rishihood University, Visiting Professor, London School of Economics and Political Science; & Former Union Minister with 10 Portfolios stated that societies need to develop systems from the Indian perspective. He added, “Look at the system that we created for our auto industry, it was Bharat Stage 1 and not the Euro 1 standards. However, though we create our own standards, we need to elevate to a level which is accepted globally and we need to be fully aware of what standards are accepted globally,” he said.

Mr Vishesh C Chandiok, CEO, Grand Thornton Bharat stated that there is a clear expectation from the investors that auditors won’t let anyone get away with frauds. “Technology is going to replace whatever the auditors are doing today. Unless we do things that add value to the process, the role of the auditors would be diminished,” he said.

He further added that there is a need to allow multidisciplinary partnership which is allowed in almost all the other countries. “There is a need to identify the best practices and incorporate the same,” he pointed out.

Mr. Abhishek Rara, Charted Accountant during the inaugural session shared his thoughts on “Trust is the new currency”. In a more volatile, complex and ambiguous world, trust is the new currency. “Highly valued however in short supply. In the future trust will dominate board and C-agendas” he added. Trust services are to be provided for the areas central to business, the market and society -climate, data , security , cloud, meta verse, non-Gaap measures, block chain, DEI, algorithms, ERP risk factors and Web 3.0, states Mr. Rara.

Mr. V Balaji, Managing Partner, True and Fair Professionals Network stated that Ind AS or the Standards on Auditing specify the minimum requirements. Makers of financial statements and auditors should not just focus on meeting the minimum requirements but should enhance their disclosures to make it relevant to the stakeholders. Also, they should not limit their disclosures because guidance is not available but if they are doing something specifically right, they should disclose the same rather than sighting lack of guidance.

CA (Dr.) Ashok Haldia, Chairman, ASSOCHAM Task Force on Accounting Standards stated that the accounting standards are continuously evolving and there is an increase in the societal interest in the same. “It is the role of the auditor to respond to the same by staying attuned to the challenges,” he said.

Mr. Vijay Sachdeva, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council for Corporate Affairs, Company Law, and Corporate Governance explained that accounting standards are needed for confidence building measures of the investor community. “There is also a need to develop accounting standards to look at the climate risk and sustainability factors,” he added.

Roundtable of Secretary, FPI, Smt. Anita Praveen with Embassies and High Commissions in India on the activities related to the Mega Food Event 2023

By — Shyamal Sinha

Secretary, FPI, Smt. Anita Praveen chaired a roundtable interaction with Foreign Missions in India on Thursday at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi. This was in continuation to the multiple roundtable interactions held since November 2022, to apprise the Ministry’s plan of action for the Mega Food Event2023 and discuss potential areas of collaboration.The roundtable witnessed participation from representatives of19 Foreign Missions in India which included HE Ambassadors of Serbia, Myanmar, and senior officials from New Zealand, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Canada, Netherlands, and Mexico.

Secretary, FPI in her keynote address highlighted that Ministry of Food Processing Industries is organizing a Mega Food Event from 3^rd to 5^th November 2023, which is being envisaged on a much larger scale than the event earlier organized by the Ministry in 2017. She stated that the event wouldcater to all subsegments of food processing and allied sectors. In addition to this, the event will also focus on promoting millets and millet-based value-added products as 2023 has been declared as the ‘International Year of Millets’. Secretary, FPI further added that through the event the Ministry envisages to showcase India as a global food supply hub.

Representatives from all countries were requested to share their input and suggestions on the proposed structure of the event tomake it comprehensiveand inclusive for all relevant stakeholders globally. Participants were also requested to create awareness about the event amongst senior policy makers, agri-food companies, academia etc. in their respective countries andactively participateas a Partnerto make the event a grand success.

All participants ensured their support to the Ministry with the plannedactivities as a precursor to the Mega Food Event as well aswith the final event in November 2023.Some of the suggestions / feedback given by the participants included inviting financial institutions tothe event, specific focus on the research &development segment, food safety & securityetc. All representatives from the Foreign Missions also congratulated the Ministry on its progress for the Mega Food Event. They assured to inform their respective Ministries, business chambers, agri-food and allied industries companiesfor ensuring maximum participation from their respective regions.

Further, the Investment Facilitation Cell (Invest India) was directed to connect with all the participants to share further information about the mega event as well as explore areas of collaborations.

ASSOCHAM conducted a National Conference on Homeland Security

By — Shyamal Sinha

 “Finding comprehensive solutions along with the private sector for homeland security, that also serves as a force multiplier, is a crucial concept for Aatmanirbhar and Surakshit Bharat, stated Shri VSK Kaumudi, IPS (Retd.), former Secretary (Security), Cab. Sectt., & Spl. Secy., Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, at the national conference on “Homeland Security: Public-Private Partnership for Managing New Age Challenges.” The conference was organized by the apex industry body, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

 In order to protect against criminal activities, terrorism, and other threats to the country, Shri VSK Kaumudi underlined the significance of advanced security systems. He spoke about the nexus between inimical elements abroad and local terrorists and criminal gangs that affects the well-being of Indian citizens along the borders as well as in the heartland. The Indian government has been encouraging startups and private parties for developing sophisticated technology for weapons and security equipment, skill development of security personnel,   and in cyber security through private-public partnership”, he added.

According to Shri VSK Kaumudi, India needs private-public partnership to foster the development of start-ups and to adopt the best available technology for robust security architecture. 
 

Shri Sanjay Agrawal, Dy Director General (Disaster Management) at the Ministry of Communications of the Government of India, highlighted the importance of establishing a public-private partnership model to enlist industrial partners for commercial use of the network while taking into account geographical areas and designing communication models for nationwide homeland security.

 
He further emphasized the need to utilize modern technologies in tandem with an integrated communication system in order to enhance safety measures. Additionally, he proposed that a well-devised communication strategy is essential in worst-case scenarios.

 
He stressed that a combination of modern technologies and an integrated communication system will bolster safety, and a well-prepared communication strategy is essential in the event of a crisis.

Shri Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman of the Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI), underscored the responsibility of the government to protect its citizens with the collaboration of all stakeholders. He also highlighted that due to socio-economic conflicts, it is essential to come up with a plan of action to address them. According to him, private security is a major component of the sector and India has the largest security workforce of around 1 crore personnel who safeguard the nation.

Shri Jasbir Singh Solanki, CEO of Mahindra Defence System Limited’s Homeland & Cyber Security division, highlighted cyber security as the biggest challenge given the prevalence of cybercrime around the globe. He urged a shift from a trader mentality to a builder mindset and advocated for the allocation of funds towards security protection technology.

Shri Alpesh Kankariya, Partner (Homeland Security and Surveillance) at PricewaterhouseCoopers Private Limited (PwC), emphasized the fundamentals of homeland security, which encompasses counter-terrorism initiatives, security from natural disasters and public health hazards, as well as national security from external adversaries.

 
In his closing remarks, Mr. Anil Dhawan, Co-Chairman of ASSOCHAM’s National Council on Homeland Security & Disaster Management and MD of DB Secure Solutions Pvt Ltd., offered an insight into home-grown security solutions through the Public-Private Partnership model, as well as increased investment in research and development to meet specific security needs.

Among eminent dignitaries, a joint knowledge report titled “Cognitive Command and Control Centres-Redefining homeland security with emerging technology” was released by ASSOCHAM-PwC.

MANDAR MAHOTSAV 14 TH JANUARY 2023 INAUGURATION

Upholding the spirit of Panchayati Raj, We have increased the powers of PRI’s, Chief Minister

By — Shyamal Sinha

Haryana Chief Minister said that the decentralization of powers of the members of Panchyati Raj Institutions (PRI) has been done to give impetus to the development works in the rural areas. Now the newly elected members do not have to wait to get the approvals, as they can utilize the money for any developmental works from their own funds, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

Furthermore, now the budget of PRIs is fixed and at the beginning of the year only it will be decided in which quarter, how much funds are to be allocated, said the Chief Minister.

He informed that Sarpanchh, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad will automatically give administrative approval after passing the resolution, and the state government will not have any interference.

The Chief Minister gave this information while interacting with the media after attending the Bharatiya Janata Party’s  National Executive meeting held in New Delhi today.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that the State Government has already released an amount of Rs.1100 crore to the PRIs for executing the desired development works in the villages.

He further informed that during the meeting, information regarding the system change and public welfare schemes implemented in Haryana in the last 8 years were also shared. Responding to another question, he said that Union Home Minister, Sh. Amit Shah’s rally will be organized in Haryana. While other Union Ministers will also address rallies in Haryana.

Haryana geared up to successfully organize G-20 meetings

Sh. Manohar Lal said that the detailed discussions were also held regarding G-20 meetings under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi. It is a matter of pride for every Indian that India has got the presidency of G-20. About 200 meetings will be organized in different states this year. In this series, some G-20 meetings will also be organized in Gurugram, for which the state government has made all required preparations, informed the Chief Minister.

Automated ration cards are being made of all these having an annual income less than Rs 1.80 lakh

Responding to a question, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the process of making automated ration cards for BPL families through Parivar Pehchan Patra is going on.

Ration cards have been made automatically for those whose annual income is less than Rs 1.80 lakh. This digital step has not only given a big relief to all such families but has also saved them from making several rounds to the offices, informed the Chief Minister.

He said that complaints were received from time to time that many people who have risen above the BPL slab are still availing of ration benefits, while the actual ones are still waiting to get these benefits.

Divulging information about the meeting held today in Delhi, the Chief Minister informed that during the meeting, the strategy for upcoming elections and how India can become a world leader were discussed in detail.  

“Our target is to win all the 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana. Our government has always focused on the upliftment of Antyodaya. Through PPP, we will continue to extend the reach of public welfare scheme benefits to the last-mile citizen,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

केंद्रीय गृहमंत्री अमित शाह के हरियाणा दौरे को लेकर दिल्ली में हुई हरियाणा भाजपा के नेताओं की महत्वपूर्ण बैठक

By — Shyamal Sinha

भारतीय जनता पार्टी के प्रदेश अध्यक्ष ओम प्रकाश धनखड़ की अध्यक्षता में केंद्रीय गृहमंत्री अमित शाह के हरियाणा दौरे को लेकर बुधवार को नई दिल्ली स्थिति हरियाणा में भवन एक महत्वपूर्ण बैठक हुई।  मुख्यमंत्री मनोहर लाल, प्रदेश प्रभारी बिप्लब देब, की उपस्थिति में मंत्रियों व सांसदों के साथ गोहाना रैली को लेकर चर्चा हुई। 3 फरवरी को हरियाणा में संत रविदास जयंती को प्रदेश स्तर पर मनाने की तैयारियों को लेकर भी बैठक में मंत्रणा की गई। बैठक में गृह मंत्री अनिल विज, कृषि मंत्री जेपी दलाल, कैबिनेट मंत्री डॉक्टर कमल गुप्ता, बनवारी लाल, परिवहन मंत्री मूलचंद शर्मा, संगठन मंत्री रविंद्र राजू, केंद्रीय राज्य मंत्री कृष्णपाल गुर्जर , सांसद सुनीता दुग्गल , सांसद नायाब सिंह सैनी, सांसद संजय भाटिया, विधायक महिपाल ढांडा आदि मौजूद रहे।
बैठक के बाद पत्रकारों से बातचीत करते हुए प्रदेश अध्यक्ष धनखड़ ने बताया कि हरियाणा कार्यकारिणी की बैठक फरवरी के दूसरे सप्ताह में होगी। केंद्रीय गृहमंत्री अमित शाह की 29 जनवरी को प्रस्तावित रैली शानदार होगी। श्री धनखड़ ने कहा कि जब भी केंद्रीय मंत्री अमित शाह का प्रवास होता है तो एक लोकसभा की बैठक निश्चित रूप से होती है। श्री शाह हरियाणा दौरे के दौरान रैली के अलावा एक तीर्थ स्थान का दर्शन भी करेंगे।
पंजाब में कांग्रेस पार्टी से पूर्व मंत्री रहे मनप्रीत सिंह बादल के भाजपा में शामिल होने के सवाल पर प्रदेश अध्यक्ष ने कहा कि निश्चित रूप से भाजपा का परिवार पंजाब में लगातार बढ़ रहा है। उन्होंने बताया कि पंजाब के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री कैप्टन अमरेंद्र सिंह, वरिष्ठ नेता सुनील जाखड़ भी भाजपा की कार्यकारिणी की बैठक में शामिल हुए थे। उन्होंने बताया कि आज की बैठक में कई महत्वपूर्ण मुद्दों पर भी चर्चा हुई।
ओम प्रकाश धनखड़ ने बताया कि संत शिरोमणि रविदास की जयंती 3 फरवरी को गुरुग्राम, नरवाना और यमुनानगर में प्रदेश स्तर पर मनाने का निर्णय हुआ है। तीनों स्थानों पर कार्यक्रम को सफल बनाने के लिए भाजपा के कार्यकर्ता जुट गए हैं। उन्होंने बताया कि कार्यक्रम के सफल आयोजन के लिए संयोजक और सहसंयोजक नियुक्त किए जा चुके हैं। श्री धनखड़ ने कहा कि हरियाणा की भाजपा सरकार सभी महापुरूषों व संतों की जयंतियों को मनाकर प्रदेश में भाईचारा कायम कर रही है।

Aadi Shaurya – Parv Parakram ka’ combines culture with courage in an impactful manner: Shri Arjun Munda

By — Shyamal Sinha

As part of the Republic Day Celebrations 2023 and to mark the 126^th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (celebrated as Parakram Diwas), a Military Tattoo & Tribal Dance Festival ‘Aadi Shaurya – Parv Parakram Ka’ will be held at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, New Delhi on January 23 & 24, 2023. The two-day festival will showcase the prowess of the Armed Forces and the ethnic beauty of India’s tribal culture. Free tickets are available through www.bookmyshow.com.

The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda said ” It is a unique initiative which has been taken to celebrate Parakram Diwas on the birth of anniversary of Subhas Chandra Bose.”

Shri Arjun Munda also added that it is a combination of display of military tattoo and tribal dance forms representing Adi Shaurya .Union Minister said that tribals have been protectors of country’s resources i.e Jal, Jangal and Jameen ( Water, forest, land) since times immemorial.He also added that the tribals fought valiantly against the colonial rule during freedom struggle and laid their lives for the country.

 Shri Arjun Munda also added that Adi Shaurya or ‘Parv Parakram ka’ combines culture with courage in an impactful manner. Union Minister also urged everyone to come to JLN Stadium on 23^rd and 24^th to see the wonderful display of Tribal Dance forms drawn from various parts of the country in the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Breifing Media , Additional Secretary,Tribal Affairs , Ms R. Jaya said “We are expecting a grand program where military jawans will perform and there will be a dance performance by 20 tribal groups. For the first time this type of program is being organized and  we all are very excited because this program is being organized in Amrit Kaal.”

The programme comprises a Military Tattoo (Paramotor Gliding, Hot Air Balloon, Horse Show, Motor Cycle Display, Air Warrior Drill, Navy Band) and an hour of traditional dance performances (Khukhri Dance, Gatka, Mallakhamb, Kalaripaytu, Thangta) by tribal artists from across the country. The grand finale includes a performance by famous singer Shri Kailash Kher.

The aim of the festival is to remember the sacrifices of the country’s bravehearts and celebrate the rich cultural heritage which makes India so unique and diverse. The objective is to celebrate together the bravery of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose; embrace the true spirit of India and renew the commitment to building a strong and prosperous ‘New India’. Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Tribal Affairs are jointly organising the event, with Indian Coast Guard being the coordinating agency.

Nearly 40% of Indian population suffers from fatty liver says health experts in ASSOCHAM Webinar

By — Shyamal Sinha

 The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), an apex body, organized a webinar on “Caring for Liver- Prevention & Management”with the paramount objective to cascade awareness and disseminate knowledge about liver care, to lead a healthier, happier, and prosperous life. The webinar, which is a part of the Illness to Wellness initiative, underlined the cause of liver diseases and prevention of the largest organ in the body. 

Over 500 fundamental bodily functions are carried out by the liver, a crucial organ. Among them include the elimination of waste materials and foreign substances from the bloodstream, control of blood sugar levels, and production of vital nutrients. Taking proactive measures to live a healthy life is the greatest strategy to prevent liver disease.

(Padma Bhushan) Prof. (Dr.) Shiv Kumar Sarin Senior Professor, Department of Hepatology & Director, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi shared that  “Fatty Liver” (a condition in which fat makes up at least 5% of the weight of the liver) is the most prevalent illness affecting the liver worldwide. Other prominent causes of liver disease include drinking alcohol and having hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis A and B are hepatitis that are preventable by vaccination.

He focused on the liver transplant as the preferred treatment for individuals who have acute liver failure and do not respond to medical intervention or who experience complications from chronic liver disease that are not further controlled by diet and medicine. The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile. This helps carry away waste products from the liver. All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver.

Liver receives all the blood supply of the gut, says Dr. Kapil Dev Jamwal Head, Unit II Gastroenterologist Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram. He mentioned Liver is the largest organ of the body. Liver performs various functions including the metabolism of medications and food, the creation and storage of energy, and the digestion of food and minerals. According to him, the symptoms of liver disease can range from an asymptomatic stage to the onset of jaundice, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, GI bleeding, and altered sensorium.

He emphasised that the best ways to prevent liver disease are to maintain a balanced diet, exercise frequently, fast occasionally, avoid alcohol, and consume low-calorie foods. Olive oil and mustard oil are both beneficial for the liver and can be used in cooking. Regular use of coffee, green tea, and walnuts has been demonstrated to be good for the liver because of its antioxidant characteristics.

According to Dr. Rajesh Kesari, the founder and director of Total Care Control in Delhi-NCR and a member of the RSSDI EC who moderated the discussion, the liver performs numerous functions that are crucial for good health and long life. Specialized cells in your liver can locate and eliminate dangerous organisms like bacteria, viruses, and other invaders.

River waterways are new strength of India

By — Shyamal Sinha

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the World’s Longest River Cruise-MV Ganga Vilas and inaugurated the Tent City at Varanasi via video conferencing today. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several other inland waterways projects worth more than Rs. 1000 crores during the event. In line with the Prime Minister’s endeavour to boost river cruise tourism, the huge untapped potential of river cruises will get unlocked with the launch of this service and it will herald a new age of river cruise tourism for India.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister hailed Lord Mahadev and greeted everyone on the auspicious occasion of Lohri. The Prime Minister emphasised charity, faith, tapasya and faith in our festivals and the role of rivers in them. This makes the projects related to river waterways all the more significant, he said. He pointed out that the longest river cruise from Kashi to Dibrugarh is being flagged off today which will bring to the fore, places of tourism in North India on the world tourism map. He said other projects being dedicated today in Varanasi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Assam worth 1000 crore will give a push to the tourism and employment potential in eastern India.

Underlining the central role of river Ganga in the life of every Indian, the Prime Minister lamented that the area around the banks lagged behind in development in the post-independence period thereby leading to a massive exodus of population from this area. The Prime Minister elaborated on a twin approach to address this unfortunate situation. On the one hand, the campaign to clean Ganga was undertaken through Namami Gange and ‘Arth Ganga’ was taken up on the other. In ‘Arth Ganga’ steps have been taken to create an environment of economic dynamism in the states from where Ganga passes.

Directly addressing the tourists from foreign countries who are traveling on the maiden journey of the cruise, the Prime Minister said, “Today India has everything and a lot beyond your imagination.” He further added that India can only be experienced from the heart as the nation has welcomed everyone with open hearts irrespective of region or religion, creed or country and welcomed tourists from all parts of the world.

Throwing light on the experience of the river cruise, the Prime Minister informed that it has something special for everyone. He added that those seeking spirituality will cover destinations like Kashi, Bodh Gaya, Vikramshila, Patna Sahib and Majuli, tourists looking out for a multinational cruise experience will get the opportunity to via Dhaka in Bangladesh, and those wanting to witness the natural diversity of India will cross through Sundarbans and the forests of Assam. Observing that the cruise will pass through 25 different river streams, the Prime Minister said that this cruise has significant importance for those who have a keen interest in understanding the river systems of India. He also mentioned that it is a golden opportunity for those who want to explore the myriad culinary and cuisines of India. “One can witness the extraordinary amalgamation of the heritage of India and its modernity on this cruise”, the Prime Minister remarked as he shed light on the new era of cruise tourism where new employment opportunities will be created for the youth of the country. “Not just foreign tourists but Indians who traveled to different nations for such an experience can head towards North India now”, the Prime Minister said. He also informed that similar experiences are being readied in other inland waterways of the country to give a boost to cruise tourism while keeping in mind the budget as well as the luxury experience.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that India is entering into a robust phase of tourism as with a growing global profile, curiosity about India is also increasing. That is why, said the Prime Minister, in the last 8 years various steps were taken to expand the tourism sector in the country. Places of faith were developed on priority and Kashi is a live example of such efforts. With improved facilities and the rejuvenation of Kashi Vishvanath Dham, Kashi has seen a huge increase in the number of visiting devotees. This has given a massive boost to the local economy. The New Tent City, infused with modernity, spirituality and faith, will provide a novel experience to the tourists.

The Prime Minister said that today’s event is a reflection of the policies, decisions and direction taken after 2014 in the country. “This decade of the 21st century is a decade of infrastructure transformation in India. India is witnessing a level of infrastructure which was unimaginable a few years ago.” He said from Social infrastructure like houses, toilets, hospitals, electricity, water, cooking gas, educational institutes to digital infrastructure to physical connectivity infrastructure like railways, waterways, airways and roads, all these are strong indicators of the rapid growth of India. In all the fields India is seeing the best and biggest, he pointed out.

The Prime Minister underlined the low usage of river waterways in India before 2014 despite the rich history in this mode of transport in the country. Post 2014, India is harnessing this ancient strength to the cause of modern India. There is a new law and detailed action plan for developing waterways in big rivers of the country. The Prime Minister informed that in 2014 only 5 national waterways were there in the country, now there are 111 national waterways in the country and about two dozen are in operation already. Similarly, there has been a 3 times increase in cargo transportation via river waterways from 30 lakh metric tonnes 8 years ago.

Coming back to the theme of development of eastern India, the Prime Minister said that today’s events will help in making eastern India a growth engine for Developed India. This connects Haldia multimodal terminal with Varanasi and is also connected with India Bangladesh protocol route and Northeast. This also connects Kolkata port and Bangladesh. This will facilitate business from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal to Bangladesh. 

Emphasising the need for training of the staff and skilled workforce, the Prime Minister informed that a Skill Development Center has been set up in Guwahati and a new facility is also being constructed in Guwahati for the repairing of ships. “Be it a cruise ship or a cargo ship, they not only give a boost to transport and tourism, but the entire industry associated with their service also creates new opportunities”, the Prime Minister said.

Referring to a study conducted, the Prime Minister informed that waterways are not just beneficial to the environment but also help in saving money. He said that the cost of operating waterways is two and a half times lesser than that of roadways, and one-third lesser when compared to railways. The Prime Minister also touched upon the National Logistics Policy and said that India has the potential to develop a waterway network of thousands of kilometres. He also emphasised that India has more than 125 rivers and river streams which can be developed to transport goods and ferry people while also giving impetus to further expanding port-led development. He emphasised the need to build a modern multi-modal network of waterways and informed about the partnerships with Bangladesh and other countries which have strengthened the water connectivity in the Northeast.

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister remarked on the continuous development process of developing waterways in India and said, “Strong connectivity is essential for building a developed India.” The Prime Minister expressed the belief that the river of India will give new heights to water power and trade and tourism of the country and wished a pleasant journey to all the cruise passengers.

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adiyanath, Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal among others were present on the occasion.

Source — PIB

“The ‘can do’ spirit of our Yuva Shakti inspires everyone”: PM

By — Shyamal Sinha

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 26th National Youth Festival in Hubbali, Karnataka today. The programme has been organised  on National Youth Day, which is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, to honour and cherish his ideals, teachings and contributions. The theme of the festival is ‘Viksit Yuva – Viksit Bharat’ and it brings diverse cultures from all parts of the country on a common platform and unites the participants in the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Karnataka Governor Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Karnataka Chief Minister Shri Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur; Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Prahlad Joshi, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri S. Nisith Pramanik were among other dignitaries present on the occasion.

Addressing on the occasion, the Prime Minister highlighted  the importance of National Youth Day in the year 2023, and  remarked that on one hand, we have the exuberant National Youth Festival and on the other hand there is the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. “Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached,” the Prime Minister exclaimed quoting Swami Vivekananda Ji and said that it is the life mantra of the youth of India and said that we must emphasise and understand our duties to take the country forward in the Amrit Kaal. The Prime Minister highlighted the inspiration from Swami Vivekananda Ji derived by the youth of India in this endeavour. “I bow my head at the feet of Swami Vivekananda Ji on this special occasion”, the Prime Minister remarked.

The Prime Minister reminded the changing nature of national goals in the light of changing times and said that this time of 21st century is very important as today India is a young country with a huge young population. “Yuva Shakti is the driving force of India’s journey”, said the Prime Minister. The next 25 years are important for building the nation. The dreams and aspirations of Yuva Shakti decide India’s direction and destination and Yuva Shakti’s passion decides India’s path.

The Prime Minister said that India today is the 5th largest economy and “our goal is to take it into the top 3.” The Prime Minister reiterated emerging opportunities in the agriculture and sports sector and credited the power of the youth for this revolution. The Prime Minister emphasised the role of women power in keeping the nation’s strength alive and touched upon the instances of women shining in armed forces, space technology, space and sports.

source — PIB