MERIT app and e-Bidding portal for utilization of domestic coal in IPP Power Stations

MERIT app and e-Bidding portal for utilization of domestic coal in IPP Power Stations for reducing the cost of power generation launched 

Optimum utilization of Coal through these app/ web portal would save the consumer close to Rs. 20,000 crores five years down the line: Shri Piyush Goyal 

Union Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal, New & Renewable Energy and Mines, Shri Piyush Goyal launched here today the ‘MERIT app (Merit Order Despatch of Electricity for Rejuvenation of Income and Transparency)’ and the e-bidding portal for providing e-Bidding solution to States to select Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for procurement of power by transferring their domestic coal under the scheme of flexibility in utilization of domestic coal.

Briefing the media on the occasion, Shri Goyal said that both the initiatives are taken in the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Minimum Government and Maximum Governance’ through ‘Speed, Skill and Scale’. The app and the web portal would result in optimum utilization of Coal which would save the consumer close to Rs. 20,000 crores five years down the line, the Minister added.

Shri Goyal said that use of technology to increase transparency and accountability and transfer maximum benefit to the consumer reflects a 360-degree approach of a ‘Government in Action’. The Government is dedicated to ensure access to affordable, quality, 24x7 Power for All, in Prime Minister’s vision of New India, the Minister added.

Over the last three years, India has rapidly achieved adequacy in terms of availability of power. Now the time has come to shift the focus to optimal utilization of the valuable and scarce energy resources for achieving economy and efficiency in operation. The merit order stack is a common approach to the problem of minimizing the sum of generators’ operating costs while honoring the operational constraints of the available generation to supply the demand in a secure and reliable manner.

The Tariff Policy, 2016 provides that the States/DISCOMs shall follow merit order for procurement of power and there should be uniformity in merit order mechanism. During the Power Ministers' conference held at Vadodara in Oct, 2016, it was decided to constitute a Committee to examine the status of implementation of Merit Order Dispatch, issues involved therein and for ensuring proper dispatch of renewable energy sources while following the merit order principle. Accordingly, Merit Order Dispatch Committee was constituted in October 2016 with Chairperson, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) as its Chairperson and Joint Secretary (OM), Ministry of Power (MoP) as its Member Secretary. The Committee had representation from MNRE, CERC, POSOCO and States. The Committee submitted the report along with recommendations to MoP.

The recommendations of the Committee have been prepared with regard to Transparency in Merit Order operations and promotion of Renewables through effective implementation of Must-Run status of Renewables. Most states follow merit order operation; however, details in this regard need to be made transparently available. Hence, there was a need to have a mechanism to quantify deviation from merit order and check its reasonableness. The adherence to merit order optimizes the power procurement cost and benefits both utility and ultimate consumer.

In this direction, a web portal and mobile apps for Merit Order Despatch of Electricity (MERIT) have been developed in association with POSOCO. The app displays extensive array of information regarding the merit order such as daily state-wise marginal variable costs of all generators, daily source-wise power purchases of respective states/UTs with source-wise fixed and variable costs, energy volumes and purchase prices. The app also gives information regarding reasons for deviation from merit order such as must run conditions, transmission constraints etc.

The advantages of MERIT app are as follows:

·         Empowerment of the Consumer and participative governance

·         Transparent information dissemination pertaining to marginal variable cost and source wise purchase of electricity

·         Promotes economy and efficiency in operations

·         Helps understand the utility portfolio and its complexity

·         Optimization of the power procurement costs

·         Facilitates renewable integration and handling of the variability and uncertainty of renewables

·         Indication of supply side reliability, adequacy, and co

·         The flexibility in utilization of domestic coal scheme envisages transferring coal to more efficient IPPs generating stations, leading to lower generation costs and ultimately lesser cost of electricity for the consumers.

Today, the Minister also launched the e-Bidding portal, which has been designed to facilitate States in inviting bids for procurement of power from the prospective IPPs in transparent and fair manner. The successful bidder shall be selected through e-Reverse Bidding process.

The Cabinet, on 4^th May 2016, approved the proposal for allowing flexibility in utilization of domestic coal amongst power generating stations.  Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued the methodology for utilization of domestic coal within State/Central generating stations on 8^th June 2016, followed by the issuance of a memorandum by the Ministry of Power on 10^th June 2016. The methodology for use of transferred coal in Independent Power Producers (IPPs) generating stations was issued by Ministry of Power on 20^th February, 2017.

Ministry of Power, along with PFC Consulting Ltd and MSTC Ltd, has developed the e-bidding portal. The link for portal is available on the website of Ministry of Power and PFC Consulting Ltd. Other dignitaries present on the occasion included Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Secretary Power and other senior officers of the Ministry of Power.

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10th Session of the India- Jordan Trade and Economic Joint Committee (TEJC)

10th Session of the India- Jordan Trade and Economic Joint Committee (TEJC) 

The 10TH India-Jordan Trade and Economic Joint Committee (TEJC) Meeting was held in New Delhi on 4th and 5th July, 2017 under the co-chairs of Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce and Industry, Government of India, and H.E Eng. Mr. Yarub Qudah, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
On this occasion, the two countries emphasized the need for diversification of bilateral trade and deepening their engagements for greater cooperation in investment sector. During the TEJC meeting, the two sides also reaffirmed their mutual interest and discussed the roadmap for cooperation in various fields such as Fertilizer Sector, Customs, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, Visa and Consular issues, Health and Pharmaceuticals, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Maritime Transport, Rail Transport, and Air Transport, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Smart Grid development, Information Technology, Higher Education and Vocational Training, Agriculture sector etc.
The two leaders also inked the revised Economic and Trade Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of India, and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, aiming at boosting and diversifying bilateral trade relations, in addition to promote economic, trade and investment cooperation based on the principle of equity, non-discrimination.
On the sidelines of the TEJC, business federations from both sides also met and discussed the roadmap for promotion of trade and investment through B2B mechanism.

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Multiple Banking System for EPFO contribution and payments

Multiple Banking System for EPFO contribution and payments by Signing of Agreement between EPFO and Public & Private Sector Banks 

In keeping with the Government’s mandate for facilitating ‘Ease of doing business’, EPFO has taken a step further. In the august presence of Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour & Employment, EPFO has entered into agreement for collection of EPF dues from employers and payment to beneficiaries as well through multiple-banks in place of erstwhile single banking system here today. Collections of EPF dues have been started with PNB, Allahabad Bank, Indian Bank, Union Bank of India in addition to State Bank of India through direct online mode. 

Now, EPFO has signed agreement with another five banks viz. Bank of Baroda, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank for collection of remittances and payments to beneficiaries, at zero transaction charges. 

It will facilitate all the stakeholders of EPFO by allowing the employers to deposit their EPF dues in a hassle-free, anywhere, anytime manner and PF members by direct payments of their bank accounts. 

Consequent upon signing of agreement, the employers having bank account with these banks may deposit EPF dues directly in EPFO’s account using internet banking on real time basis instead of going through the aggregator mode.

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Beijing Declaratoin on Education

Beijing Declaratoin on Education 

Following is the text of BEIJING DECLARATION ON EDUCATION adopted in the 5^th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Education in Beijing, China, on July 5th, 2017.

We, the BRICS Ministers of Education and assigned representatives of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation the Republic of India, the People’s Republic of China, and the Republic of South Africa.

Having met in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China on July 4^th and 5^th, 2017 to discuss education reforms, approaches to promoting equity in education and fostering quality education, strengthening BRICS collaboration in the field of education, and exchange of students and scholars and teaching faculty among BRICS Member States;

Recalling Brasilia Declaration on March 2^nd, 2015, Moscow Declaration on November 18^th, 2015 and New Delhi Declaration on September 30^th, 2016;

Committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4)-Education 2030 which aims to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote life-long learning opportunities for all” that was set within The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Recognizing the significance of collaboration in the field of education for enhancing the overall partnership among BRICS Member States and enhancing people to people exchanges to a higher level;

Realizing that the scale of education development in BRICS Member States is expanding rapidly, and that all Member States face common challenges in promoting educational equity, accessibility and in improving the quality of education;

Considering that higher education contributes to the development of high-level human resources and intellectual support for the economic and social development, studies of BRICS Member States will  enhance the mutual understanding between each Member State, and

Recognizing that the mobility of faculty and students, and sharing of information among the Member States is of great importance for the implementation of the consensus arrived at the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Education.

For ensuring coordinated and deeper cooperation among the Member States, hereby declare to;

1.      Reiterate support for the BRICS Network University (NU) to collaborate in the fields of education, research and innovation. Encourage universities to participate in the BRICS University League.

2.      Increase cultural cooperation through language education and multilingualism to promote mutual understanding of the history and culture of BRICS Member States.

3.      Undertake initiatives to promote professionalization of academics in higher education through the BRICS Network University as a focus of future education development.

4.      Encourage more teachers and educational administrators to learn from experience of other countries in improving teacher quality and performance, and promoting the development of education through international exchanges.

5.      Strengthen cooperation in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), share ideas and experiences in the development of vocational educators, and develop projects that are of common interests to BRICS Member States.

6.      Recognize the importance of BRICS Think Tanks Council (BTTC), BRICS Network University as well as other BRICS initiatives, and encourage the streamlining of mechanisms for their closer cooperation to ensure the alignment of their work.

7.      Emphasize the importance of streamlining the cooperation among educational think tanks and education researchers, and welcome China’s invitation to host a conference to explore possible cooperation among the various entities in BRICS Member States.

8.      Encourage the organization of “youth winter/summer camps” to reinforce communication and cultural exchanges among the young generation from BRICS Member States.

9.      Encourage Member States to expand the number of scholarship opportunities to students across BRICS Member States.

10.  Share the experience and practices in achieving the SDG4-Education 2030 targets in order to foster a more favorable policy environment, adopt effective practices, and advocate for global educational policies that take into account the common concern and priorities of the BRICS Member States.

11.  Encourage the participation in the 3^rd BRICS NU Annual Conference to be held in 2018, in Cape Town, South Africa and in the BRICS Global Business and Innovation Conference to be held in September 2017, in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, and the Republic of South Africa extend their appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for hosting the 5^th Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Education.

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Centre to provide funds for enhancing Coastal security in Kerala: Shri Hansraj Ahir

Centre to provide funds for enhancing Coastal security in Kerala: Shri Hansraj Ahir 

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir has said that the Centre would provide funds for enhancing the coastal security of Kerala. Talking to media after reviewing the overall law and order situation with state officials in Thiruvananthapuram today, he said that funds would be made available from the Police Modernisation Fund for buying more vehicles and patrol boats.
Shri Ahir lauded the Kerala government for ensuring a good policing system. He pointed out that the Community Police system was much helpful against radicalisation drive among the youth. In reply to a question, Shri Ahir said that a report has been sought from the state government on the political violence and murders in the state.
He said that the three southern states, - Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have Maoist presence. On youths joining the Islamic State (IS), Shri Ahir said that reports of 22 people joining the terror organisation have come out and no more cases have been reported till now.
Additional Chief Secretary in charge of Home, Shri Paul Antony, State Police Chief Shri Loknath Behra and other officials attended the review meeting.
Later, Shri Ahir called on the Kerala Governor Shri Justice (Retd.) P. Sathasivam at the Raj Bhavan.

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‘Environment Ministry has Decided to take up work related to Environment Protection

‘Environment Ministry has Decided to take up work related to Environment Protection as a movement all over the Country ’: Dr. Harsh Vardhan 

Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that the Ministry has taken a decision that all the work related to environment protection must be taken up as a movement all over the country. Leading a plantation drive to mark Van Mahotsav celebrations here today, the Environment Minister told the gathering that the Ministry is preparing a databank of doables - that all the people, from children to senior citizens can take up on their own. He also said that the databank will be presented before the people to enhance awareness and also to educate people on environment-related issues and create an environmentally sensitive society. “Unfortunately, we did not pay much attention to whatever our ancestors had told us. That is why today the threats of climate change and global warming have arisen”, Dr. Harsh Vardhan pointed out.

Reiterating that environment protection is in our DNA, the Minister said that there is a tradition of feeding the ants and birds in our country and thus, protection of flora and fauna is inherent in our culture. The Environment Minister pointed out that our ancestors had handed over a pure environment as a heritage and had given some principles of living, with the help of which environment can be protected properly.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, “I am glad that different organisations have participated in the plantation drive today and these organisations will develop environment protection as a new movement in their respective areas. The plantation drive is a token programme. In the days to come, we are drawing up several programmes that will make our environment pollution-free”. 

Dr. Harsh Vardhan will lead a similar plantation drive tomorrow at District Park, Paschim Vihar. The plantation drives in Delhi will continue.

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Speech of Shri Bandaru Dattatreya at the signing of the agreement between EPFO and public and private sector

Speech of Shri Bandaru Dattatreya at the signing of the agreement between EPFO and public and private sector banks for Multiple Banking System for EPFO contribution and payments 

Following are the excerpts of the speech given by Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Minister of State for Labour & Employment (IC) here today at the signing of the agreement between EPFO and public and private sector banks for Multiple Banking System for EPFO contribution and payments.

Shri H.L. Samariya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment,

Dr. V.P. Joy, Central Provident Fund Commissioner, Dignitaries on the Dias,

Friends from the Media,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

I feel happy to be present on this important occasion in the history of EPFO while we are coopting Banks i.e. ICICI, HDFC, Axis, Kotak Mahindra and Bank of Baroda as partners of EPFO.  I extend my best wishes for this partnership to prosper.

Friends, EPFO is one of the largest social security providers with a corpus of rupees twelve lakh crore.  It has a contributing membership of 4.5 crore and about 20 crore accounts are serviced by EPFO.  EPFO collects around rupees seventy-five thousand crores annually from the establishments covered under the Act.  EPFO settles about 1.16 crore claims in a year and disburses about fifty-four thousand crore annually.

At present, the mechanism of collection of EPF contribution through its multiple Banks i.e. State Bank of India (Online), State Bank of India (Aggregator), Punjab National Bank, Allahabad Bank, Indian Bank and Union Bank of India and in a historic decision in the 216^th meeting of the CBT held on 30.03.2017, it was decided to engage the Private Sector Banks for collection of EPF contributions.

I am happy that this decision is being operationalized today as my Government under the dynamic leadership of Hon’be Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji believes in “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”.  Our Government not only believes in inclusive development but we also practice it taking all the stakeholders together in our country’s march towards development.

I also feel extremely happy that we in the Ministry and EPFO have taken lot of initiatives for both employers and employees for example we have:-

(i) Reduced Administrative Charges for the employers

(ii) Online registration of employers

(iii) Online payment of contributions

(iv) Online filing of returns for exempted establishments

(v) Housing Scheme launched on 2^nd April, 2017 for the EPF   subscribers for which an MoU has been signed with HUDCO

(vi) Self declaration for claiming benefits

(vii) Online payment through NEFT (viii) Online E-Passbook facility to members; and

(ix) Universal Account Number (UAN) to EPF members which has been awarded as the best IT innovation.

I am very hopeful that today’s event will herald fruitful partnership between EPFO and the Banks for achieving the objectives of my Government that of providing world class services to our esteemed stakeholders.

Thank You,

JAI HIND

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Dr Jitendra Singh congratulates North Eastern States for successful implementation of GST

Dr Jitendra Singh congratulates North Eastern States for successful implementation of GST 

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today, congratulated all the eight North-Eastern States for successful implementation of GST and said, the North-Eastern States have set an example by being highly supportive right from the beginning of the GST exercise, in spite of several diversities, contradictions and constraints of the region. He commended the unassuming approach of the eight State Governments of different political parties as well as the various trade bodies and their representatives from the region, who, from time to time, came forward with their apprehensions and sought responses with an open mind, which paved the way for amicable solution to each of the issues related to GST roll-out in the region. 

Speaking to Nagaland Minister for Roads & Bridges, designate in GST Council, Shri Y. Vikheho Swu, who called on him to discuss the arrangements post-roll-out of GST in the State, Dr Jitendra Singh had a word of praise for Nagaland, which happens to be one of the most peripheral Indian States with its immediate borders with foreign countries and with constant hassles emanating from topography, inadequate connectivity, transport limitations etc. 

Shri Vikheho Swu gave a detailed resume of the manner in which everything was being managed smoothly following the GST roll-out on the midnight of June 30th and July 1st. He also wanted Dr Jitendra Singh to ensure that the All India Services officers engaged in implementation and management of GST should not be transferred or posted elsewhere for the time being. 

Dr Jitendra Singh also had a word of praise for the literate approach and sagacious wisdom of the traders as well as consumers of North-Eastern region who were always open to reason. Citing an example, he said, when it was pointed out that some of the local handloom / handicraft products had come under the gambit of GST, even though these were tax-free earlier, the grievance got instantly resolved when it was explained that earlier, several of the taxes on raw material, etc., were embedded and hence not visible, whereas now it is only one tax, the GST, which is visible with no other invisible taxes, and hence the ultimate cost could remain the same or even less. 

In the long run, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the GST will prove to be a blessing for the Northeast as it will offer the peripheral States an opportunity to grow side by side along with the more developed States of India.

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Union Agriculture Minister reviews the progress of two flagship schemes

Union Agriculture Minister reviews the progress of two flagship schemes - National Agricultural Markets (E-Names) and Soil Health Card 

9 crore Soil Health Cards distributed to the farmers so far: Shri Singh 

Centre making efforts to make e-NAM scheme successful: Shri Singh 

Shri Radha Mohan Singh addresses a meeting of Agriculture Minister from States/UTs 

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the idea of development of agriculture sector was being contemplated for a long time, but since independence, this is the first government that has been working at the ground level for the development of agriculture and the economic growth of the farmers. Shri Singh said this at a meeting of the State Ministers in-charge of Agricultural Marketing and Agriculture Ministers from different states in New Delhi. In this meeting, the progress of two flagship schemes - National Agricultural Markets (E-Names) and Soil Health Card was reviewed. 

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s dream is to double farmers’ income by 2022 and that farmers should realise their contribution in the mainstream development. To achieve this, the Central Government and all the State Governments need to make multi-faceted joint efforts. 

Shri Singh informed that the first pillar is that the cost of production should be reduced and productivity should be increased. The second pillar is that farmers need to diversify and adopt other agricultural activities such as animal husbandry, poultry, goat rearing, bee keeping, and timber plantation. The third and the most important pillar is that farmers get regulated markets close to their farms to sell their produce and earn profitable returns. 

Union Agriculture Minister pointed out that Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme is a flagship scheme of the Government to promote the use of fertilisers based on analysis of Soil Health and enable farmers to get maximum yields at lower cost with minimum damage to the ecosystem. The central Government launched this scheme in February 2015 to provide SHC to more than 12 crore farmers once every 2 years. Comprehensive testing of soil samples on 12 parameters including the status of micro-nutrients is being carried out for each and every soil sample under the scheme. The first cycle (2015-17) of the scheme is expected to be completed by July 2017. Shri Singh said that States have reported 100% collection of soil sample i.e. 253 lakh soil samples and testing of 244 lakh soil samples. So far 9 crore soil health cards have been distributed to farmers. 

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that after the formation of the government, they have taken several important decisions to accelerate the economic condition of the farmers. In order to double the income of the farmers, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the National Agricultural Markets (e-NAM) scheme on July 1, 2015, with a budget allocation of Rs.200 crore. As part of the pilot project, 21 Mandis of 8 states were linked to e-National Agricultural Markets (e-NAM) Scheme on 14/04/2016 by the Prime Minister. This scheme provides an online portal to the farmers for electronic trading and provides a transparent market enabling price discovery and competition. Under the scheme, each Mandi is provided assistance of Rs. 30 lakh for the purpose of preparing necessary infrastructure in the integrated regulated markets. In this year's budget, this amount has been increased to Rs.75 lakh. The main objective of this scheme is to give farmers access to prices of different Mandis and facility to sell their products in a transparent manner to those who offer the best price. One important component of this scheme is that the farmer gets the value of his yield according to the quality as the quality is checked before the electronic bidding. 

For the success of this scheme, the State Governments need to make genuine efforts and the Ministers play a key role in this. e-NAM is an important milestone in promoting digital India and digitisation programs of the government. 

Shri Singh said that his ministry and the officers are making efforts to make e-NAM scheme successful. The Agriculture Minister himself visited the states and conducted meetings and reviewed various schemes related to the progress of farmers. Some State Governments like Chhattisgarh and Telangana are doing good work to ensure that farmers are benefitted by e-NAM. There is no lack of commitment by the State Governments, but the way Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh is taking an interest, all states should take inspiration from him. 

Union Agriculture Minister said in the changing scenario, the government has taken an active step in the interest of the farmers by devising a new model called Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) Act and it was inaugurated on 24/04/2017. APMC Act 2017 provides the facility of creating private market yards and farmer-consumer markets. Now, if the states actively enforce the act, it will be easier for the farmers to have a liberal market available as this Act is based on the model of "ease of doing business" to encourage direct marketing.

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President of India addresses the Annual Convocation of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

President of India addresses the Annual Convocation of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee addressed the annual convocation of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru today (July 5, 2017). 

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that it was his privilege to preside over the annual convocation of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, which is a premier institution for advanced scientific education and research in the country. He congratulated all the graduating students on their success and said that he considers convocation as a landmark day in the life of students, teachers and their parents. It was a culmination of their years of hard work and dedicated efforts. 

The President said that the Indian Institute of Science, established in the year 1909, was the result of a visionary public-private partnership between Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, the Maharaja of Mysore and the Government of India. Over the last 108 years of its fruitful existence, the Institute has laid balanced emphasis on the pursuit of basic knowledge in science and engineering, as well as on the application of its research findings for industrial and social benefit. He stated that it was worth mentioning that Prof. J.C. Ghosh, the Director of IISc in the forties, who is credited with the setting up of several engineering departments in IISc, became the founding Director of the first IIT at Kharagpur. 

The President said that many alumni and faculty of IISc have played and continue to play a strong role in leading national science and technology institutions and in various advisory or administrative roles in the government. He was happy that IISc has consistently maintained its reputation of being India’s premier institute of higher education and research. Its academic stature as India’s best university has been confirmed by the National Institutional Rankings Framework in both 2016 and 2017. It is also recognized globally, having been ranked amongst the top 200 universities in the QS International Rankings. He said that to his mind, a key ingredient that has contributed to its success is the quality and the number of its faculty members, one that has steadily been increasing in the last few years. He was informed that of the 4,000 students in its campus, over 2,500 are pursuing doctoral degrees. Of its 40 departments and centres, 18 are dedicated to science, 13 to engineering, and the remaining to inter-disciplinary research. 

The President said that the higher education sector in India has seen massive expansion. The number of universities has increased to 760 and the number of colleges to 38,500. Such expansion has led to better access. However, it has thrown open some challenges like resource constraints and lack of availability of quality teachers. To his mind, an inspired teacher is one who ignites young minds and raises their latent curiosity. 

The President said that if our institutions have to become world-class, they will have to adopt best practices in their academic management. They will have to move relentlessly in the direction of excellence in whatever they do. The spheres of intervention are many. For one, our institutions have to provide the best of amenities to their academic community. State-of-the-art laboratories will enable quality experiments. Good classrooms including well-stocked libraries will offer students an enriched learning environment. 

The President said that our centres of higher learning have to develop their social connect. There is need to instill in the students a sensitivity that will inspire them to search for solutions to vexed socio-economic problems. He said that it was important to remember that by 2030 India will have a huge population comprising of youth. This would be an opportunity to capture the world market. However, this demographic dividend could convert into demographic liability if we do not provide necessary skills to our youth. He said that he wanted that bright minds in India should engage themselves in basic research. The onus is on the institutions to produce men and women of substance and character, not merely competent professionals. He expressed hope that the students of IISc who got their degrees today will contribute handsomely to our nation.

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Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel inspects J. L. Nehru Stadium

Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel inspects J. L. Nehru Stadium – A Venue for FIFA Under 17 Matches 

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Vijay Goel today inspected the JLN Stadium, New Delhi which is one of the venues for the FIFA U-17 Football World Cup to be held in October this year. The officials at the venue appraised the Minister about the work in progress for renovation being done at the Stadium for the World Cup. 

Shri Goel said that he is happy with the pace of preparations and more than 90% of the work has been done completed. He also instructed the officials and concerned authorities to speed up the process and complete the pending works in a time bound manner. Shri Goel said that as per official information, India will play all its group matches (total 3 in number) in Delhi. He said the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi would be requested to inaugurate the World Cup at the National Stadium, New Delhi. Shri Goel also said that India would be keen and willing to host other FIFA events in future too. 

He said, In order to popularize football and the upcoming World Cup, his ministry has initiated Mission 11 Million Programme to take football across India and among 11 million kids. Shri Goel also said that school children would be invited to watch the World Cup matches. The Minister said that he is happy to see that across various sports, India has been doing well in recent times and the Government will continue to support players in every possible way. 

Shri Goel has visited all the venues across India to check the preparedness for the upcoming World Cup which is the first FIFA tournament to be hosted by India. 

Answering a question on reopening of case against athlete Dutee Chand, Sports Minister said the government will stand by the Sprinter.

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Ministry of Minority Affairs issues advisory for Haj Pilgrims

Ministry of Minority Affairs issues advisory for Haj Pilgrims on misleading advertisements with false promises of making arrangements for Haj 2017 

Instances have come to the notice of this Ministry that unscrupulous elements are publishing misleading advertisements in print media with a view to entice intending Haj Pilgrims with false promises of making arrangements for Haj 2017 with different types of facilities by implying that they have got Haj quota allotted from this ministry.

            It is hereby clarified that 45000 Haj seats have been allocated among 569 PTOs for Haj 2017. The list of such PTOs is available at this ministry’s website at www.minorityaffairs.gov.in. and www.haj.gov.in. The general public and intending Haj pilgrims desirous of availing the services of PTOs for Haj 2017 are hereby advised to check the above website and also make necessary enquiries and take precautions before engaging a PTO in order to avoid incidents of cheating by unscrupulous elements. 

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Central Silk Board Jobs 2017 2018

Central Silk Board Jobs 2017 2018 04 Directors, Joint Director, Assistant Director Posts Download Application at www.csb.gov.in | Central Silk Board Released Job Openings Notification 2017 Eligible Candidates can Download Application Through Official website www.csb.gov.in | Central Silk Board Syllabus, Age Limit, Eligibility Criteria, Exam Fee, Application Processes, Central Silk Board Admit Card Date, Central Silk Board Exam Date, Central Silk Board Result Date and Central Silk Board Last Date Details Given below Check before Applying

Central Silk Board 04 Directors Recruitment 2017 at www.csb.gov.in:

Organization Name: Central Silk Board

Employment Category: Central Govt Jobs

Total No. of Vacancies: 04

Job Location: Bangalore

Name of the Post & No of Vacancies:

1. Director - 01

2. Joint Director - 01

3. Assistant Director - 02

Eligibility Criteria for Central Silk Board Directors Jobs 2017

Educational Qualification:

1. Director - A Doctorate degree in Entomology / Zoology / Agriculture / Botany / Sericulture or an equivalent qualification from a recognized University with a minimum of 12 years Research experience out of which 5 years should be in the capacity of Joint Director [now re-designated as Scientist-D]

2. Joint Director - Master's Degree in Business Administration from a recognised University and possessing a minimum of ten years experience in Marketing or Textiles or Enterprise Development in a Central or State Government Department or Public Sector Undertaking or Autonomous Body

3. Assistant Director - Chartered Accountancy with Preliminary Examination-I from Institute of Chartered Accountants of India with one year experience in Finance or Masters degree in Commerce with five years experience in Accounts and Finance, in Government Departments or Public Sector Undertakings or registered Companies

Age Limit:

Candidate’s Age Limit Should not exceed (Post 1 - 53 years), (Post 2 - 50 years), (Post 3 - 35 years). The Upper age limit is relaxed by 5 years for SC/ST; 3 years for OBC, 10 Years for Persons with Disabilities (15 years for SC/ST PWD’s & 13 years for OBC PWD’s) and for Ex-S as per Govt. of India rules. Candidates Relaxation in Upper Age limit will be provided as per Govt. Rules. Go through Central Silk Board official Notification 2017 for more reference

Pay Scale:

1. Director - Rs. 123100 - 215900/-

2. Joint Director - Rs. 78800 - 209200/-

3. Assistant Director - Rs. 56100-177500/-

Selection Procedure for Central Silk Board Directors

Selection Procedure: Interview

How to apply for Central Silk Board Directors Recruitment 2017:  

Candidates satisfying the above eligibility conditions Use Following Procedure Given Below to Apply Offline Mode:

1. Go to Central Silk Board official website careers page at www.csb.gov.in

2. Download Central Silk Board Directors Notification & Application form

3. Candidates should read all instructions given in Advertisement

4. Fill required details and

5. Hard copy of duly filled and signed application along with the photocopies of (i) ID proof (ii) Proof of Date of Birth (iii) Educational Certificates: Mark-Sheets/Degree Certificate (iv) Caste and attested copies of relevant documents should be addressed to “Member Secretary, Central Silk Board, ‘CSB Complex’, Hosur Road, BTM Layout, Madiwala, Bangalore - 560 068” by post so as to reach us by 28.07.2017. Envelope must be super-scribed with “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF “…………….”

Important Dates for Central Silk Board Directors Recruitment 2017: 

1. Starting Date for Submission of Application: 30.06.2017

2. Last date for Submission of Application: 28.07.2017

Central Silk Board Directors Notification & Application Form Link:  

Central Silk Board Directors Official Notification & Application Form PDF: Click Here to Download

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Oil India Limited Job Vacancy 2017 2018

Oil India Limited Job Vacancy 2017 2018 07 Retainer Doctor on Contract Posts at www.oil-india.com | Oil India Limited Job Vacancies 2017 Download Application Form | Oil India Limited Released Job Openings Notification 2017  Eligible Candidates can Download Application Through Official website www.oil-india.com | Oil India Limited Syllabus, Call Latter, Age Limit, Eligibility Criteria, Application Processes, Oil India Limited Walk in Date, Oil India Limited Result Date Details Given below Check before attend walk in Interview.

Oil India Limited 07 Retainer Doctor Recruitment 2017 at www.oil-india.com:

Organization Name: Oil India Limited

Employment Category: Central Govt Jobs

Total No. of Vacancies: 07

Job Location: Assam

Name of the Post & No of Vacancies:

1. Retainer Doctor - 07

Eligibility Criteria for Oil India Limited Retainer Doctor Jobs 2017

Educational Qualification:

Candidates who have completed MBBS with minimum one Year internship and Having a valid Certificate of Registration from the MCI/SMC as mandated Under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 or equivalent from a recognized Institute are Eligible to apply Oil India Limited Recruitment 2017

Age Limit: As per Oil India Limited rules

Pay Scale: Rs. 60000/- (per month)

Selection Procedure for Oil India Limited Retainer Doctor

Selection Procedure: Interview

How to apply for Oil India Limited Retainer Doctor Recruitment 2017:  

Eligible Candidates advised to Download and read Oil India Limited Job notification to get aware of recruitment schedule and venue from official website www.oil-india.com. Candidate must reach advertised venue (Address & Walk in Date Mentioned in Official Notification) with all original document and Xerox copies, filled in application form (if required)

Walk in Venue:

Oil Hospital, Oil India Limited, Duliajan-786602, Assam

Important Dates for Oil India Limited Retainer Doctor Recruitment 2017: 

Date of Walk in Interview: 13.07.2017 8.00 am to 9.30 am

Oil India Limited Retainer Doctor Notification & Application Form Link:  

Oil India Limited Retainer Doctor Official Notification & Application Form PDF: Click Here to Download

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