National
PM inaugurates, dedicates to nation and lays the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Navi Mumbai
⇒ The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 12,700 crore in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra on 12 January 2024.
- The development projects being inaugurated include sectors of road and rail connectivity, drinking water, gems and jewellery and women empowerment.
Development Projects:
» The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the underground road tunnel connecting Eastern Freeway’s Orange Gate to Marine Drive.
- The 9.2 Km tunnel will be built at a cost of more than Rs 8700 crores and will be a significant infrastructure development in Mumbai which will reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marine Drive.
» The Prime Minister dedicated phase 1 of the Surya regional bulk drinking water project to the Nation.
- The project, developed at a cost of more than Rs 1975 crore will provide drinking water supply to the Palghar and Thane district of Maharashtra, benefiting about 14 lakh population.
» During the programme, the Prime Minister dedicated railway projects worth about Rs 2000 crores to the Nation.
- These include the dedication of ‘Phase 2 of Uran-Kharkopar railway line’ which will enhance connectivity to Navi Mumbai as suburban services running between Nerul/Belapur to Kharkopar will now be extended to Uran.
- The Prime Minister also flagged off the inaugural run of the EMU train from Uran railway station to Kharkopar.
- Other rail projects that will be dedicated to Nation include a new suburban station ‘Digha Gaon’ on the Thane-Vashi/Panvel Trans-harbour line and the new 6th Line between Khar Road & Goregaon railway station. The projects will benefit the thousands of daily commuters in Mumbai.
» The Prime Minister inaugurated ‘Bharat Ratnam’ (Mega Common Facilitation Centre) for Gems and Jewellery sector at Santacruz Electronic Export Processing Zone – Special Economic Zone (SEEPZ SEZ), which is the first of its kind in India with the best available machines in the world including 3D Metal printing.
- This will house a training school for skilling of the workforce for this sector including specially-abled students. The Mega CFC will transform the export sector in the Gems and Jewellery trade and will help domestic manufacturing also.
» The Prime Minister also inaugurated the New Enterprises & Services Tower (NEST)- 01 at SEEPZ- SEZ.
- The NEST-01 is primarily for Gem & Jewellery sector units which will be relocated from the existing Standard Design Factory – I.
- The new tower has been designed for large-scale production and as per the demand of the industry.
» During the programme, the Prime Minister launched Namo Mahila Shashaktikaran Abhiyaan.
- The Abhiyaan aims to empower women in the state of Maharashtra by providing skill development training and exposure to entrepreneurship development.
- The Abhiyaan will also undertake the effort towards the convergence and saturation of women development programmes of the state and central governments.
Divya Kala Mela 2024 in Nagpur
⇒ The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) {DEPwD}, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt of India through National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) organizes Divya Kala Mela unique event showcasing the products and craftsmanship of Divyang entrepreneurs/artisans from across the country.
To continue the efforts of empowering Divyang Entrepreneurs, Divya Kala Mela was organized from 12th January – 21st January 2024 at Ground-3 Reshimbagh, Nagpur (Maharashtra).
Highlights:
- The Mela presented an enthralling experience to the visitors as it brought together vibrant products from different parts of the country including Jammu & Kashmir, North Eastern States.
- Around 100 Divyang artisans/artists and entrepreneurs from about 20 states/UTs showcased their products and skills in Nagpur.
- There were Products in the following broad categories: Home Décor and lifestyle, Clothing, Stationery and eco-friendly products, packaged food and organic products, Toys and gifts, Personal Accessories – Jewellery, Clutch Bags Paintings etc.
- It was an opportunity for all to go ‘vocal for local’ and products made by Divyang craftsmen with their extra determination were seen/purchased.
- The 10 Days ‘Divya Kala Mela’, Nagpur (Maharashtra) witnessed a series of cultural activities, including performances by Divyangjan artists and well-known professionals.
» This is a unique initiative of DEPwD towards the economic empowerment of PwD/Divyangjan. The Divya Kala Mela presents a bigger platform for marketing and showcasing the products and skills of Divyangjan (PwD).
- The Divya Kala Mela, Nagpur was the 13th one in series starting from 2022 (i) Delhi, 2-6 December 2022, (ii) Mumbai, 16th to 25th February 2023, (iii) Bhopal, 12th to 21st March 2023, (iv) Guwahati, 11th to 17th May 2023 (v) Indore, 17th to 23rd June 2023 (vi) Jaipur 29th June to 5th July 2023 (vii) Varanasi, 15th to 24th September, 2023 (viii) Secunderabad, Hyderabad 6th to 15th October 2023 (ix) Bengaluru, Karnataka 27th October to 5th November, 2023 (x) Chennai, TN 17th to 26th November, 2023 (xi) Patna 8th-17th December 2023 (xii) Surat 29th December 2023 to 7th January, 2024.
Climate Conference 2024
⇒ The Climate Conference 2024 took place on January 12, 2024, in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Theme:
The theme of Climate Conference 2024 was “Decoding the Green Transition for India”.
Organized by:
- The Climate Conference 2024 was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
- The Conference was organised under the Green Climate Fund Readiness Programme with Delivery Partner UNDP India and supported by Knowledge Partner Avaana Capital.
Focus:
- The event focused on the pivotal role of the private sector, climate tech Startups and institutional investors in mobilizing financial resources and technical capabilities.
- The goal was to leverage government efforts, engage civil society and communities, and develop innovative climate services and adaptation technologies.
Highlights:
- The Conference underscored India’s roadmap to achieving net-zero by 2070, focusing on green transition investments to transform energy systems, reduce CO2 emissions, conserve natural resources, increase biodiversity, and enhance climate resilience in a socially just and inclusive manner.
- It delved into the current landscape of climate finance in India, exploring the roles of government, venture capitalists, corporates, and industry leaders. Discussions also centered on strategies to boost financing in the climate-tech ecosystem, emphasizing emerging solutions with disruptive potential.
- The Conference also highlighted Sustainability linked funds, risk-sharing facilities, and concessional financing. Overall, the event brought together stakeholders from diverse sectors to foster collaboration and partnership, promoting the development and adoption of sustainable, climate-resilient technologies and practices.