National
‘Meditex 2023’ International Conference on Scope and Opportunities in Medical Textiles
⇒ The Ministry of Textiles in partnership with The South India Textile Research Association (SITRA) organized ‘Meditex 2023: International Conference on Scope and Opportunities in Medical Textiles under National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), on 13th September 2023 in Mumbai.
Technical sessions:
There were multiple technical sessions in the conference including Recent Advantages and Prospects of Medical Textiles; Import Substitute: Scope and Demand of Indigenous Medical Textile Products; Entrepreneurial Pathways in medical textiles – from concept to market; Future Direction of Medical Textiles; and Standards, Certification and Regulatory Requirements.
Participation:
Officials and Representatives from Central Ministries, User Departments (Health & Medical) of Central and State Governments, Institutes, industry leaders, scientific experts, researchers, and professionals related to Medical Textiles participated in the conference.
» A book on 15 years of Research in Medical Textiles: A Crystal Jubilee Publication (2008 – 2023) was also released during the conference.
International Dam Safety Conference 2023
⇒ The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the International Dam Safety Conference themed “Safe & Secure Dams Ensure Nation’s Prosperity” in Jaipur on 14 September 2023.
» During the event, Shri Dhankhar also flagged off the vinyl-wrapped Kamakhya Express from Varanasi station through video conferencing.
- Under the ‘Pani Ki Rail’ initiative of the National Water Mission, two trains, the Himsagar Express & Kamakhya Express have been vinyl wrapped in collaboration with Ministry of Railways, to amplify the message of water conservation, river rejuvenation, and the significance of clean drinking water and sanitation.
- As these trains traverse across the length and breadth of the nation, they will act as a moving billboard for promoting the vital message of water conservation and management.
» The VP also unveiled a National Register of Large Dams which is a compilation of the large dams in the country prepared in consultation with the concerned State Government/Authority.
» On this occasion, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the National Centre for Earthquake Safety of Dams at MNIT Jaipur. The centre will enhance the Structural and Earthquake Safety of Dams in India.
Theme:
The theme of the International Conference was “Safe & Secure Dams Ensure Nation’s Prosperity”.
Organised by:
The Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD &GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti organised an International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS) at Rajasthan International Centre (RIC) in Jaipur from 14th to 15th September, 2023.
- The conference was organised in collaboration with the Rajasthan Water Resources Department, the Central Water Commission, the National Dam Safety Authority, MNIT Jaipur, WAPCOS Ltd., the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
» ICDS 2023 was backed by esteemed organisers, academics, DRIP implementing agencies, sponsors, and media partners.
- The conference was attended by more than 800 delegates from the central and state governments, academicians, officials from the World Bank, representatives from foreign countries, public and private sectors, and other dam proprietors.
- Approximately 40 international delegates from 15 countries also participated in the event.
Key Points:
- The International Conference on Dam Safety is testament to India’s commitment to ensuring the safety and longevity of its dams. As these structures play a pivotal role in ensuring prosperity of India, such initiatives underline the importance of collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing, and technological advancements in the realm of dam safety.
- With over 6,000 dams in India, ranked third globally in terms of large dams and approximately 80% of these dams exceeding 25 years of age while 234 surpassing the century mark, ensuring their safety is of paramount importance.
- With this objective in mind, the conference aimed to provide a prime venue for experts from India and across the world to come together and debate cutting-edge topics in dam safety and management.
- Additionally, the conference focused on highlighting the objectives of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and III, as well as how the project contributes to the improvement of dam safety in India.
- ICDS 2023 was the first in a series of Dam Safety Conferences planned under the DRIP Phase II & III.
» Several informative sessions helped professionals and organisations to engage in discussions centered around knowledge, experience, technologies, innovations, and safety efforts related to dams.
- Following the inaugural session, the conference continued with technical sessions with focus on the latest technologies and innovative approaches to dam safety. These sessions covered various aspects, including monitoring, inspection, and rehabilitation of dams.
- The second day had two technical sessions: one centered around dam health assessment, presenting the latest methods for evaluating the structural integrity of dams, and another emphasising industrial application of dam safety, showcasing the use of dams for hydropower, irrigation, and flood control.
‘Divya Kala Mela’ in Varanasi
⇒ Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) organizes a unique event ‘Divya Kala Mela’ to showcase the products and craftsmanship regular Divyang entrepreneurs/ artisans from across the country. To continue the efforts ‘Divya Kala Mela’ was organized in Varanasi from September 15-24, 2023.
Key Points:
- The event presented an enthralling experience to the visitors as vibrant products from various parts of the country including Jammu and Kashmir, North Eastern states, handicrafts, handlooms, embroidery works and packaged food etc. were seen together.
- The 10 Days ‘Divya Kala Mela’, Varanasi witnessed a series of cultural activities, including performances by Divyang artists and well-known professionals alongside. Visitors also enjoyed their favorite foods from various regions of the country at the event.
About ‘Divya Kala Mela’:
» ‘Divya Kala Mela’ is a unique initiative of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) towards 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, Varanasi is the seventh one in series starting from 2022 [(i) Delhi, December 2022, (ii) Mumbai, February 2023, (iii) Bhopal, March 2023, (iv) Guwahati, May 2023 (V) Indore June 2023 (Vi) Jaipur 29th June-5th July2023 (vii) Varanasi, 15-24 September, 2023]. During 2023-2024 the event will be organized in 12 cities.
Official Launch of Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics
⇒ Member of NITI Aayog, Professor Ramesh Chand officially launched the Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg Portal- www.upag.gov.in) on 15 September 2023.
It is a groundbreaking move to address the complex governance challenges India’s agriculture sector is facing. This innovative platform, designed to streamline and enhance data management in the agricultural domain, marks a significant step towards a more efficient and responsive agricultural policy framework.
About UPAg Portal:
The UPAg Portal is a crucial component of the Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture, aimed at harnessing the diversity of the agriculture sector and using data as a catalyst for growth.
Initiative by:
It is a pioneering initiative by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, to streamline data management in the agriculture sector.
Aim:
It aims to provide real-time, standardized, and verified data on agricultural commodities, facilitating data-driven decision-making for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders. This initiative aligns with the principles of e-governance, bringing smartness, transparency, and agility to India’s agriculture sector.
Key Challenges Addressed by UPAg Portal:
- Lack of Standardized Data: Currently, agricultural data is scattered across various sources and often presented in different formats and units. UPAg Portal aims to consolidate this data into a standardized format, making it easily accessible and understandable for users.
- Lack of Verified Data: Reliable data is crucial for accurate policy decisions. UPAg Portal ensures that data from sources like Agmarknet is vetted and updated in a timely manner, providing policymakers with accurate information on agricultural prices.
- Dispersed Data: To form a comprehensive view of any crop, multiple variables need to be considered, including production, trade, and prices. UPAg Portal brings together data from various sources, providing a holistic assessment of agricultural commodities.
- Different Frequency Variables: Data updates at different times, causing delays and inefficiencies. UPAg Portal offers real-time connectivity with data sources, reducing the time and effort required for monitoring and analysis.
Key Features of UPAg Portal:
- Data Standardization: The portal standardizes data on prices, production, area, yield, and trade, making it accessible in one location, eliminating the need to compile data from multiple sources.
- Data Analysis: UPAg Portal will perform advanced analytics, offering insights such as production trends, trade correlations, and consumption patterns, aiding policymakers in making informed decisions.
- Granular Production Estimates: The portal will generate granular production estimates with increased frequency, enhancing the government’s ability to respond to agricultural crises swiftly.
- Commodity Profile Reports: Commodity profile reports will be produced using algorithms, minimizing subjectivity and providing users with comprehensive insights.
- Plug and Play: Users will have the flexibility to use the portal’s data to prepare their own reports, promoting data-driven decision-making.