National
Logistics Ease Across Different States Report 2021
⇒ ‘Logistics Ease Across Different States Report 2021’ has been released in New Delhi.
The LEADS 2021 exercise has gone one-step ahead in analysing domestic and EXIM logistics ecosystem of the state. Specifically, two improvements have been done in the overall assessment framework.
- Firstly, objective parameters have been used along with the perception-based indicators for index formulation.
- Secondly, the statistical methodologies to build the index has been updated to get more robust results, given change in the overall framework.
» Alternatively, a total of 21 perception and objective variables have been statistically analysed to prepare a composite index basis upon which the states have been ranked.
The perception survey was administered to the four different categories of logistics stakeholders:
- Traders/ shippers
- Transport service providers
- Terminal operators
- Logistics service providers
» The LEADS survey 2021 was conducted over the period from May to August 2021 in a challenging environment when the COVID crisis was being fought across multiple fronts.
» The whole exercise garnered 3771 responses from 1,405 respondents across the country.
» For representation purposes, states have been ranked in three separate classes including ‘North Eastern States & Himalayan UTs’ and ‘Other UTs’ group.
Key Points:
- Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab have emerged as the top performers in the LEADS 2021 index respectively. Haryana has secured the second position, followed by Punjab.
- Within the North Eastern States and Himalayan Region, Jammu and Kashmir is the top ranker followed by Sikkim and Meghalaya.
- Delhi stands at the top rank among Other UTs.
- Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jharkhand have witnessed a remarkable improvement in their ranks compared to 2019 LEADS ranking and have emerged as the top improvers.
Background:
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) had launched a study, “Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS)” in 2018 with the main objective of ranking States and UTs on the efficiency of their logistics ecosystem.
First-ever Mentorship Programme for Young Innovators
⇒ Union Minister of State (I/C) Science & Technology; Minister of State (I/C) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh launched the first-ever Mentorship Programme for Young Innovators to mark the 75th Year of India’s independence.
- This is a pan India Scheme that envisages Star College in every district of the country supported by the Department of Biotechnology.
- DBT-Star College Mentorship Programme will help towards the concept of networking, hand holding and outreach.
- Star College Mentorship Programme will help young scientists and students to innovate and find solutions to future challenges through peer learning & hand-holding.
- A total of 278 undergraduate colleges across the country are currently being supported under the DBT Star College Scheme.
“Tele-Law on Wheels” Campaign
⇒ The Department of Justice launched “Tele-Law on Wheels” Campaign as a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations from 8th to 14th November 2021.
A special Login week was organized throughout the country for encouraging those in need to seek legal advice and consultation through tele-and video conferencing facilities.
These Common Service Centers (CSCs) have been branded as Kanooni Salah Sahahyak Kendra (“कानूनी सलाह सहायक केंद्र”) for this purpose.
The Tele-Law on Wheels Campaign was conducted with aid of CSC e Governance which has a network of 4 lakth + digitally enabled CSCs across the country.
Citizens’ Tele-Law Mobile App:
During the week-long Campaign, the Minister of Law and Justice and Minister of State for Law and Justice launched the Citizens’ Tele-Law Mobile App on 13th November, 2021.
This App connects the beneficiaries directly with Panel Lawyers offering legal advice and consultation.
International
40th Sharjah International Book Fair
⇒ Publications Division, the premier publishing house of the Government of India presented their publications at the Mega Book Fair held at Expo Center Sharjah, UAE from November 3 to 13, 2021.
The Consul General of India in Dubai, Dr. Aman Puri with Consul (Press, Information, Culture and Labour) Smt Tadu Mamu inaugurated Publications Division’s stall at the 40th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2021).
Organized by:
The 11-day International Book Fair was organized by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).
The 40th International Book Fair was held from November 3-13, 2021 at Expo Centre Sharjah, UAE.
Theme:
This year’s theme of the fair was ‘There’s always a right book’.
About Directorate of Publications Division:
- Directorate of Publications Division is a repository of books and journals which highlight the subjects of national importance and India’s rich cultural heritage.
- Established in 1941, Publications Division is a premier publishing house of Government of India offering books and journals in different languages and on diverse themes like development, Indian history, culture, literature, biographies, science, technology, environment, and employment.
- Division’s flagship publications include popular monthly journals such Yojana, Kurukshetra and Aajkal as well as weekly employment newspapers ‘Employment News’ and ‘Rozgar Samachar’.
- In addition to this, Publications Division also publishes Government’s prestigious reference annual ‘India Year Book’.