The launch of ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 19 (Yard 129)’, 5th Barge of 11 x ACTCM Barge Project, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane for Indian Navy, was undertaken on 24 Jan 24 at M/s Suryadipta Project Pvt Ltd (Launch site of M/s SPPL). The launching Ceremony was presided over by Cmde V Pravin, AWPS(Mbi).

The contract for building 11 X ACTCM Barge was signed between MoD and M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane on 05 Mar 21. The availability of these Barges would provide impetus to operational commitments of IN by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles/ ammunition to IN Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.

These Barges are indigenously designed and built under relevant Naval Rules and Regulation of Indian Register of Shipping. The model testing of the Barge during design stage was undertaken at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam. These Barges are proud flag bearers of Make in India initiative of Government of India (GoI).

The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited today for the acquisition of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard. The value of the contract is over one thousand crore rupees. These multi-role Fast Patrol Vessels will be indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and will be delivered in a total of 63 months.

According to the Defence Ministry, these FPVs will be equipped with multipurpose drones, wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifebuoy and Artificial Intelligence capability enabling greater flexibility and operational edge. These modern Fast Patrol Vessels will play a critical role in enhancing fisheries protection and monitoring, control and surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, and search and rescue operations.

Secretary, DARE, and DG, ICAR, Dr. Himanshu Pathak inaugurated the 3-Day Kisan Mela, Herbal Expo, and Farmers Training at ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research (ICAR-DMAPR), Anand, Gujarat.

Dr. Pathak highlighted the pivotal role of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in doubling farmers’ income, emphasizing the industry’s rapid growth.

Over 2000 farmers, including 500 school children, participated, exploring 30 exhibition stalls. The event featured MoUs, training programs, and an exposure visit showcasing live MAP cultivation. Dignitaries urged continued collaboration for the sector’s prosperity.

The government on Wednesday approved a proposal to sign a protocol for setting up a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) between India and Caribbean nation Dominican Republic.

A decision in this regard was taken in a meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here.

The joint committee, an official statement said, will provide a platform for the exchange of information between various authorities and their counterparts.

"This would help in facilitating trade of goods and services and consequentially help in better employment opportunities for professionals in both the countries," it said.

The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology of Oman.

According to a Cabinet press release, the MoU, inked on December 15 last year, aims to foster collaboration and cooperation in the field of Information Technology (IT).

The comprehensive cooperation outlined in the MoU covers a spectrum of activities, including mutual support, sharing of technologies, information exchange, and investments in the IT sector.

The CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC), Ghaziabad (UP) signed a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M/s Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI), Capital Goods & Strategic Skill Council (CGSSC), Hydrocarbon Sector Skill Council (HSSC) and Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council (LSSSDC). The MoU envisages to create an enabling environment for CSIR and Indian industry.

CSIR launched a national-level unique Program “CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative” in 2016 to equip young minds with the necessary technological skills through exposure to CSIR laboratories and address the critical needs for the technical gap created by the enormous usage of advanced technology.

Beneficiaries from this initiative includes school dropouts, farmers, ITI diploma holders, graduates and doctorates. CSIR has so far trained over 1.50 lakh individuals, under this Initiative, through 4500+ skill-based trainings, including special programs for rural citizens and women. Under this programme, Biological, Chemical, Engineering, Information and Physical Sciences of broad scientific clusters of CSIR are covered.

The 2-day long National Consultative Workshop on ‘Status of Devolution of Powers to Panchayats’ was inaugurated today by Shri Vivek Bhardwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India. The conference is being organised by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) in association with the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

In his inaugural address, Secretary Vivek Bhardwaj emphasized on a shared vision, common goal and collaborative action towards advancing the process of Devolution to Panchayats. He suggested that a Devolution Index be on the agenda for discussions. He noted that capacity of Panchayats need to be developed financially and human resource-wise to match the functions expected from them. “ Empowering Panchayats & strengthening Panchayati Raj system are not just about local self-governance; it's about fostering self-reliance & sustainability. A self-sufficient Panchayat is a cornerstone for building an Atmanirbhar & Vikasit Bharat”, added the Secretary.

The Government has approved that Coal India Limited (CIL) will set up two Coal Gasification Plants with a view to achieve the target of 100 MT coal gasification by the year 2030 and to fulfil India’s dual objectives of self-reliance and energy independence. Briefing media after the Union Cabinet meeting, Union Minister for Coal Pralhad Joshi said that total investment in the joint venture of CIL and GAIL for the proposed Coal-to-Synthetic Natural Gas at Sonepur Bazari Area of Eastern Coalfields Limited in West Bengal will be of 13 thousand 52 crore rupees. Mr Joshi informed that for CIL and BHEL Joint Venture for the proposed Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate at Mahanadi Coalfields Limited in Jharsuguda district of Odisha will be 11 thousand 782 crore rupees. He informed that by 2028 - 29 these projects will be operationalised.

The Centre has also approved a proposal for equity investment for setting up of Coal-to-Synthetic Natural Gas Project through a Joint venture of Coal India Limited - CIL and Gas Authority of India Limited- GAIL. It has also approved for setting up of the Coal-to-Ammonium Nitrate Project through a Joint venture of CIL and Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited- BHEL.

They say the ballot is stronger than the bullet and rightly so, because the future of a republic is in the hands of the voters and the basic rights of the Indian voters are enshrined in the Constitution that also enumerates the responsibilities that voters need to consider before and after casting their votes. Voting is our civic responsibility and is one of the fundamental tools of which our nation has guaranteed our inalienable rights throughout our history.

The National Voters’ Day is celebrated every year in India on January 25 to encourage the country’s voters to participate in the electoral process. This year, it is the 14th edition which is being celebrated.

Canadian documentary film "To Kill a Tiger" has been nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards. The film tells the story of a man in Jharkhand, India, fighting for justice for his daughter who was sexually assaulted. Directed by Nisha Pahuja, the film sheds light on the challenges faced by survivors of sexual assault in India. The Oscars will take place on March 10.

To Kill a Tiger, a film about a man in Jharkhand who takes on the fight of his life to demand justice for his 13-year-old daughter, the survivor of a sexual assault, was nominated for the Best Documentary Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards on Tuesday.

The film, a Canadian production directed by Delhi-born Nisha Pahuja, follows Ranjit’s uphill battle after the three men who abducted and brutally assaulted his daughter find support in villagers who force the family to drop the charges.