Outdoor Air Pollution Key determinant for lung cancer says health experts in lung cancer awareness month

By — Shyamal Sinha

In a significant stride toward combating lung cancer, India is at the forefront of enabling advanced treatment and diagnosis options for patients. Recognizing the pressing need for comprehensive solutions, our commitment aims to revolutionize the landscape of cancer care with the right health facilities says Dr Akshay Jain, Joint Director, National Health Authority Government of India at the ASSOCHAM 2nd Conference on Lung Cancer- Enabling Innovations in Treatment Pathways held in New Delhi.

Dr. Jain emphasized Ayushman Bharat’s goal to provide comprehensive, need-based healthcare instead of a sectoral, fragmented approach to health service delivery. The goal of this program is to implement ground-breaking interventions that address the healthcare system as a whole (encompassing preventive, promotion and ambulatory care). Ayushman Bharat is a continuum of care initiative that consists of two interconnected parts: the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs).There are 27000 health facilities in India to foster healthcare and 27 crore Ayushman cards are issued across the country. Digital Ayushman Act is the key to move ahead with seamless transaction integration.

Dr. Yutaro Setoya, Team Lead, Non-Communicable Diseases, World Health Organisation, India, delivered a special address where he highlighted how 8.1% of cancer-related deaths are attributed to lung cancer. He mentioned annually, 1 lakh people are diagnosed with lung cancer and the disease significantly impacts the working-age population. WHO also commends India for its proactive ban on e-cigarettes, he added.

Dr. Dipjyoti Das, Head Medical Planning and operations, Assam Cancer care Foundation in his address talked about delivering equitable and affordable healthcare in backward regions. He further added, through partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers, we are working to reduce barriers to entry for groundbreaking lung cancer treatments, offering renewed hope to patients in Assam.

Padmashri Prof Dr. D. S Rana Chairperson ASSOCHAM National Healthcare Council and Board of Trustees, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital how smoking is directly linked to lung cancer and how it acts as a barrier affecting lung health. Smoking is by far the leading risk factor for lung cancer. About 80% of lung cancer deaths are thought to result from smoking.

Ms Neelima Dwivedi, Senior Director External Affairs MSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd stressed on India being the 2nd largest consumer in the world for tobacco and 28% of Indian population consume it. In this lung cancer awareness month, key stakeholders should join hands to curb the risk of most diagnosed cancer. A critical component of our strategy is to raise awareness about lung cancer, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection, she added.

There are environmental and occupational determinants of lung cancer said Dr. Abhishek Shankar Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi mentioning the rise in incidence of lung cancer among non-smokers.  Lung cancer screening implementation can be part of a larger effort to educate the population about preventive healthcare and the benefits of early screening.

By integrating advanced diagnostics, accessible treatments, education, research, and support services, we aim to empower both healthcare professionals and patients in their journey toward better lung health said Dr Sudhir Kalhan Chairperson ASSOCHAM National Digital Healthcare Taskforce. He focused on strong condemnation of deteriorating environment causing air pollution. There is a definite link of rising incidence of lung cancer in non smokers due to air pollution.

Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar participates in ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ in Karnataka

By — Shyamal Sinha

Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Electronics & IT, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, participated in the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ in Chikkaballapura, Karnataka. The Yatra serves as a nation-wide outreach program to create awareness about central government schemes and ensure their benefits reach the people directly.

During the interaction with beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar emphasized the transformative mission initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi since 2014.

The Minister said “Embarking on the journey towards ‘Vikasit Bharat’ since 2014, Prime Shri Minister Narendra Modi initiated a transformative mission with key objectives. These included elevating the economy from Fragile 5 to Top 5, overhauling a leaky democracy by combating corruption, nepotism, and crony capitalism. Our PM had laid down a vision to leverage technology to transform lives and expand opportunities for Young Indians. Since 2014, India has witnessed the growth of over one lakh Startups. As the Narendra Modi government systematically cleansed the system, our collective aspiration evolved into the realization of a New India. Today, we set our sights higher, aiming for a Vikasit Bharat by 2047, driven by the boundless energy and potential of Young Indians.”

Following his address, Minister Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar personally handed over a gas stove and an LPG cylinder to beneficiaries under the PM Ujwala Yojana Scheme, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving the lives of citizens through targeted welfare initiatives.

source — pib

PM’s departure statement ahead of his visit to UAE for World Climate Action Summit

By — Shyamal Sinha

At the invitation of my brother H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, I am travelling to Dubai to attend the World Climate Action Summit of the COP-28 on 1 December 2023. I am happy to see that this significant event is being held under the Presidency of the UAE, who has been an important partner for India in the field of climate action.

In keeping with our civilizational ethos, India has always laid emphasis on climate action even as we pursue social and economic development.

During our G20 Presidency, climate was high on our priority. The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration includes numerous concrete steps on climate action and sustainable development. I look forward to the COP-28 taking forward the consensus on these issues.

COP28 will also provide an opportunity to review progress made under the Paris Agreement, and chart a path for future course on climate action. At the Voice of Global South Summit convened by India, the Global South spoke for the need for climate action based on the principles of equity, climate justice, and common but differentiated responsibilities, as well as a greater focus on adaptation. It is important that efforts of the developing world be supported with adequate climate financing and technology transfer.  They must have access to equitable carbon and development space to achieve sustainable development.

India has walked the talk when it comes to climate action. Our achievements in different sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, energy conservation, Mission LiFE are testament to the commitment of our people towards mother Earth.

I look forward to joining special events including on climate finance, Green Credit initiative and LeadIT.

I also look forward to the opportunity to meet some of the other Leaders present at Dubai, and discuss ways to accelerate global climate action.

source — pib

15,000 drones to be provided to women SHGs over next three years

By — Shyamal Sinha

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will interact with beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra on 30th November at 11 AM via video conferencing. Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra is being undertaken across the country with the aim to attain saturation of flagship schemes of the government through ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach all targeted beneficiaries in a time bound manner.

It has been the constant endeavour of the Prime Minister to ensure women led development. In yet another step in this direction, Prime Minister will launch Pradhan Mantri Mahila Kisan Drone Kendra. It will provide drones to women Self Help Groups (SHGs) so that this technology can be used by them for livelihood assistance. 15,000 drones will be provided to women SHGs in the course of the next three years. Women will also be provided necessary training to fly and use drones. The initiative will encourage the use of technology in agriculture.

Making healthcare affordable and easily accessible has been the cornerstone of the Prime Minister’s vision for a healthy India. One of the major initiatives in this direction has been the establishment of Jan Aushadhi Kendra to make medicines available at affordable prices. During the programme, Prime Minister will dedicate the landmark 10,000th Jan Aushadi Kendra at AIIMS, Deoghar. Further, Prime Minister will also launch the programme to increase the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the country from 10,000 to 25,000.

Both these initiatives of providing drones to women SHGs and increasing the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras from 10,000 to 25,000 were announced by the Prime Minister during his Independence Day speech earlier this year. The programme marks  the fulfilment of these promises.

source — pib

Himachal Pradesh Police Orchestra performs at the closing ceremony of IFFI 54 Goa

By — Shyamal Sinha

Himachal Pradesh Police Orchestra ‘Harmony of the Pines’ performed at the closing ceremony of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 54 in Goa on 28th November 2023.

The orchestra got a standing ovation from World renowned, Oscar and Golden Globe award winner Actor Michael Douglas and the Chief Minister of Goa Shri Pramod Sawant.

The lead of the musical group Inspector Vijay on behalf of his group expressed his gratitude towards Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Anurag Thakur for providing this opportunity to perform at the closing ceremony of IFFI 54 in Goa.

‘Harmony of the Pines’ Himachal Pradesh Police Orchestra is a remarkable musical ensemble that originated in 1996 with a humble beginning of only seven members. Initially formed as a means to alleviate the stress faced by the police force, this band soon found itself performing at various departmental functions

Harmony of the Pines captivated the audience at the International Film Festival of India in Goa 2023.

Himachal Pradesh Police Orchestra is a finalist of Hunarbaaz Desh ki Shaan on Colours TV and they gained widespread popularity and were subsequently appointed as brand ambassadors for the Election Commission of India. The band’s rise to fame reached new heights when they were honoured by being featured on an Indian Postal Stamp.

In a momentous event in 2016, the Himachal Pradesh Government officially approved the band and bestowed upon them the title of “Harmony of the Pines Himachal Pradesh Police Orchestra.” This recognition made them the first band in India to represent the khaki uniform on national and international stages

42nd Edition of India International Trade Fair, 2023 Breaks Records and Sets New Standards

By — Shyamal Sinha

As the grand finale approached for the 42nd edition of the biggest and most popular fair of the country, India International Trade Fair (IITF 2023), the event unfolded against the majestic backdrop of the newly redeveloped Bharat Mandapam Complex. This year’s culmination was nothing short of being extraordinary, as the trade fair not only surpassed previous milestones but also introduced groundbreaking initiatives that marked a paradigm shift in the landscape of international trade exhibitions. The whole spirit behind planning and organising the fair was to improve ‘VISITOR EXPERIENCE’.

Milestones Reached

Taking the mantra of Hon’ble PM forward, this year’s IITF saw use of technology and digital transactions all over. The tickets were available online.  It provided a seamless mechanism for ease of buying tickets. In addition, the tickets also provided link for navigation of the route including the entrance for parking within the Bharat Mandapam.   The success of the initiative can be gauged from the fact that a staggering 90% of tickets were purchased online through digital payments. It also ensured that there is no crowding at the Entry gates of IITF and added to visitor experience. 

The vast expanse of the event stretched over approximately 1,15,000 square meters, setting a new record in terms of area.  This was over one and half times of the previous edition. The stalls and movement place were smartly planned with wide pathways between the stalls giving an open look and feel.  The circulation area inside the halls was a staggering 70,000 square meters. Add to that the massive pathways outside the halls under canopy and open green areas and you know why the movement of over 150000 visitors in a single day was also hassle-free and comfortable.  The total visitors to the Fair surpassed the magic figure of one million.

The infrastructure itself was a marvel, featuring a state-of-the-art basement parking facility that accommodated up to 3000 cars, providing not just convenience but also safety and surety to visitors. . The grand parking within the Bharat Mandapam was used by more than 50,000 vehicles which is unprecedented. The implementation of a world-class traffic management system ensured that the periphery remained free from congestion, elevating the overall experience for visitors. Complementing this, a meticulously coordinated network of shuttle services further enhanced accessibility, creating a seamless flow to the sprawling trade fairgrounds.

The vibrant tapestry of the event was woven together by the participation of over 3500 exhibitors, showcasing a rich diversity of products and services. Sales records were shattered, as the fair became a marketplace where innovative ideas and cutting-edge products found eager patrons. The landscape of financial transactions also witnessed a transformation, with a significant portion occurring through digital modes such as UPI, signalling a progressive shift towards a cashless economy. Even the foreign exhibitors were pleasantly surprised by the sturdiness of digital financial infrastructure of the country.

The venue itself was not just a backdrop but a symbol of prestige, having recently hosted the G20 Leaders’ Summit in 2023. The introduction of new exhibition halls added a modern touch, providing exhibitors and visitors with modern facilities that embraced the spirit of innovation. A homegrown navigation app emerged as a beacon of convenience, seamlessly guiding attendees through the expansive fairground.

Another good initiative of this Fair was that a dedicated ‘Pick and Drop Point’ was made inside the parking arena of Bharat Mandapam. It allowed people to alight and board in a safe environment and near the fair halls. Not only that, ITPO proactively worked with most popular cab aggregators such as Uber and Ola and integrated these points in their app. This redefined the dynamics of travel coordination, providing a hassle-free experience for visitors.

This Fair will be known within ITPO as an event bringing cultural shift in the organisation. The intent and spirit of ITPO transformed from ‘profit maximisation’ to ‘visitor satisfaction’. The sanitation, security and parking staff was more than doubled to facilitate the visitors and maintain hygiene, security and ease of parking. ITPO introduced specialized zones like the Kids Zone and VR Zone for use free of cost by the visitors. Sanitation is always a big challenge in such mega events. Levels of cleanliness not only depend on the cleaning staff deployed but also on the visitors’ littering habits. To encourage visitors in managing a clean campus ITPO started a novel initiative of acknowledging and honouring visitors using dust bins and disposing their garbage in an environmentally safe manner. A dedicated team of ITPO officials honoured some guests with chocolates and an expression of gratitude for helping ITPO maintain cleanliness in the campus. The initiative was much appreciated by the citizens at large.

This initiative not only reinforced the importance of a Swachh Bharat but also celebrated the collective responsibility for a pristine environment.

As the fair embraced the future, the implementation of 5G network connectivity showcased a commitment to cutting-edge technology, ensuring a seamless digital experience for all attendees. The 42nd edition of the India International Trade Fair transcended expectations, not just in terms of attendance and sales but in its unwavering dedication to innovation and modernization. As the curtains drew to a close on this remarkable edition, anticipation surged for the continued success and evolution of the India International Trade Fair, poised to set new benchmarks in the years to come.

ITPO expresses its sincere gratitude to the Exhibitors who made the fair so loved and vibrant, all the visitors who brought happiness to the fair and contributed richly to keep the campus clean, to the Shramjeevis who worked day and night to make the event grand success, to DMRC for helping in sales of tickets and transport of visitors and to Delhi Police for assisting ITPO in the conduct of the fair in such a secure and hassle-free manner.

CURTAIN DRAWN ON IITF 2023 – WITH A PROMISE OF CONTINUED EXCELLENCE

By — Shyamal Sinha

On the concluding day of November 27, 2023, the curtains fell on the historic 42nd edition of the India International Trade Fair. To commemorate this remarkable event, a closing ceremony was conducted.

Present on the occasion were Shri Pradeep Singh Kharola, Chairman  and  Managing   Director, ITPO, Shri Rajat Agarwal, Executive Director, ITPO,  Col. Pushpam Kumar, Sena Medal, OSD(Admn.), Shri B.K. Dubey, General Manager (ITPO), Ms. Hema Maity, General Manager (ITPO), participants from India and overseas and  media  persons .

Shri Pradeep Singh Kharola happily announced that this year the business generated is above 1500 crores as compared to 950 crores of last year.  He indicated that the fair touched a total number of one million visitors.  He praised the media for their wide coverage not only in print media but social media too.  Complimenting all the Award winners in different categories, Shri Kharola appreciated the participants and visitors for their continued faith in the IITF format.  He also appreciated Delhi Police and other law enforcement agencies for making the event incident free.

ITPO also conferred awards to exhibitors in different categories.

Odishawon the Gold   Medal, the Silver Medal was presented   to Assamand the BronzeMedal toRajasthan in the States and Union Territoriescategory, Special Appreciation Certificates was also conferred toKarnataka, Uttarakhand, Gujarat.

In the Thematic Presentation by the States Category, Madhya Pradesh won the Gold Medal, the Silver Medal was presented to Tripura and Bronze to Andhra Pradesh.  Special Appreciation Certificates was also given to Tamil Nadu, Nagaland and Goa. In the Union Territories Category was also presented to Andaman and Nicobar, Silver Ladakh.

At IITF, ITPO also observed and celebrated Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, raising awareness about cleanliness and sanitation among exhibitors and visitors and the award was also given to Swachh Pavilion – Gold to Punjab, Silver to Haryana, Bronze to Chhattisgarh and Commendation was also awarded to Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal.

In the   Foreign   Pavilions, UAE (Swiss Arabian Perfumes Ind. LLC) was   commended with the Gold Medal and Thailand (Thai SMES Exporters Asso) won the Silver while the Bronze Medal was presentedto Turkey, Tillo Hediyelik Esya Sanayi Ticaret Ltd. Serketiand a Special Appreciation Certificate was conferred to Egypt (Milano Bazar).

In   the Ministries and Departments, PSUs, PSB and Commodity Boards   category, Ministry of Ayush bagged the Gold Medal, Directorate General of Taxpayer Services, Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, Directorate of Income Tax received the Silver Medal respectively, while Ministry of Railwayswon the Bronze Medal. Special Appreciation Certificates were received by the National E-Governance Division Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

In the Empowering India (Ministries & Govt. Department/SARAS/KVIC/Min. of Social Justice), the Gold Medal was conferred to Ministry of Textiles, the Silver Medal to GI Pavilion, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry while Saras – National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Rural Development bagged the Bronze Medal.  Special Commendation was awarded to KVIC, MSME and Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt. of India.

In the Private Sector, Dairy India Private Limited (Ananda) won the Gold Medal, Shree Shyam Tilpatti Udyog received the Silver Medal and D.S. Doors India Ltd bagged the Bronze Medal.  Special Commendation was awarded to Myroyals (Mridu Mittal Group) and Romana Herbal Care Pvt. Ltd. (ROSA).

In his ‘Vote of Thanks”, Shri Rajat Agarwal, Executive Director, ITPO highlighted different challenges faced by ‘Team ITPO’ in successfully holding the fair. ED, ITPO also commended  the ‘Team ITPO’ , all supporting agencies and the Shramjeevis for putting their best foot forward on logistics, cleanliness, business generation, participation, security  and access control measures and visitorship.He also   thanked the media for their good positive coverage which has remained meaningful in sensitizing the visitors pertaining to different initiatives for their convenient visit.

Gold Medal to Ministry of Ayush for excellent performance in ‘India International Trade Fair’

By — Shyamal Sinha

The Ministry of Ayush has been awarded the Gold Medal by the ‘India Trade Promotion Organization’ for its excellent performance in the ‘Ministries and Departments’ category of the Indian International Trade Fair. The Ministry had created an Ayush pavilion with various activities in the fair with the aim of promoting scientific evidence based Ayush treatment methods. Various curated activities and innovative presentations of the Ministry of Ayush were done by keeping scientific evidence based approach and became the centre of attraction for everyone.

To promote Ayush-entrepreneurship, a total of 18 Ayush start-ups were given the opportunity by the Ministry of Ayush to exhibit with new products in the pavilion. Free Clinics of Ayush medical systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy, Yoga-Naturopathy, Sowa-Rigpa were also facilitated in the Ayush Pavilion.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sononwal, while giving special congratulations to the Ministry of Ayush on the occasion of this honour, said that after its establishment in 2014, the Ministry of Ayush is continuously moving forward with its objective. Despite being a new ministry, receiving the gold medal for its excellent work proves that the Ministry of Ayush and its team are succeeding in projecting evidence based achievements and innovations of various medicince systems of Ayush into the mainstream. Traditional medicine systems are emerging as the most famous and used medical system in India. Certainly, the continuous positive efforts of the Ministry of Ayush have succeeded in giving India not only national but also international recognition in the field of traditional medicine.

It is noteworthy that the Ministry of Ayush gave special priority to the youth in its pavilion. Career counselling of youth in the Ayush sector was also done through NCISM (National Commission for Indian System of Medicines) and NCH (National Commission for Homeopathy).

The Ministry of Ayush also used several creative activities to attract trade fair visitors and increase their knowledge of Ayush medicine. Activities like Play and Learn, Yoga Exercise, Ayush Diet, Dadi Se Puchho (Entertaining Telephonic Activity), Prakriti and Mizaaj Assessment Kiosk, and Selfie Point especially attracted the common people at the pavilion of the Ministry of Ayush.

On behalf of the Ministry of Ayush, the Ministry’s Media Cell, CCRH (Central Research Institute of Homeopathy), AIIA (All India Institute of Ayurveda), CCRAS (Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences), CCRUM (Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine), NIA (National Institute of Ayurveda), Invest India, MDNIY (Morar Ji Desai National Institute of Yoga), NMPB (National Medicinal Plant Board), CCRYN (Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy) all came together to showcase Ayush in the international trade fair, contributed to making the participation successful.

PRESIDENT OF INDIA TO VISIT MAHARASHTRA FROM NOVEMBER 29 TO DECEMBER 2

By — Shyamal Sinha

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu will visit Maharashtra from 29 November to December 2, 2023.

On November 29, the President will inaugurate a national conference on ‘Integration of Yoga in School Education System-Manifesting the thought’, organized by Kaivalyadham as part of its centenary year celebrations at Lonavala. On the same evening, the President will attend the Presidential Dinner at National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.

On November 30, the President will review the Passing Out Parade of 145^th Course of National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla. She will also lay the foundation stone for a building of upcoming 5^th Battalion. 

On December 1, the President will present President’s Colour to Armed Forces Medical College, Pune at Pune. She will also virtually inaugurate Armed Forces Centre for Computational Medicine ‘Prajna’. On the same day, she will inaugurate the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of the Government Medical College, Nagpur at Nagpur.

On December 2, the President will grace the 111^th convocation of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University at Nagpur.

IITF 2023 Caps off Historic Run with 1.5 Lakh Visitors

By — Shyamal Sinha

The India International Trade Fair, 2023, achieves a momentous milestone as it welcomes a historic 1.5 lakh visitors today, leaving just one day for attendees to soak in the full splendour of the IITF experience.

Streets buzz with vibrant energy, from children enjoying in the specially curated kids’ zone to families indulging in extensive shopping across diverse exhibition halls. Catering to all interests, the event offers electronic goods and VR gems for the tech-savvy, while various regional snacks and delicacies from across India satisfy the cravings of food enthusiasts—truly making IITF an inclusive experience for everyone.

State food courts witnessed a significant rush, featuring specialties like the special Kesar Kulhad Chai and Onion Kachodi from Rajasthan or the renowned Punjabi ChholeBhature. IITF ensures everyone feels at home with a diverse range of favourite foods from every corner of the world.

At IITF, the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) also observed and celebrated the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, raising awareness about cleanliness and sanitation among visitors.