Ministry of Culture
28-Jun-2023: Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ministry of Culture and Canara Bank for disbursal of financial assistance to veteran artists
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Ministry of Culture and Canara Bank on 28.06.2023 for disbursal of financial assistance to veteran artists under the “Scheme for Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists”.
Ministry of Culture administers a Scheme namely “Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists” under which financial assistance of Rs. 6000/- per month is provided to artists and scholars above the age of 60 years who have contributed significantly in their specialized fields of performing arts and culture in their active age or are still contributing, but due to old age they are facing difficulty and are in penury condition. Currently, under the scheme, disbursal of financial assistance in respect of artists selected before 2017 is made through LIC while for the artists approved post 2017, it is made directly by the Ministry. It has been noted that the receipt of documents from the beneficiaries often get delayed resulting in disbursal of amount as lump sum instead of being released on a regular basis. With the signing of the MoU with Canara Bank, in a period of approximately two months post streamlining of the process, disbursal of financial assistance to the veteran artists would commence on monthly basis, also ensuring redressal of long pending grievances of beneficiaries.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
22-Jun-2023: BIS Introduces Standard IS 18267: 2023 for Agri By-Product Utensils
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published IS 18267: 2023 "Food Serving Utensils Made from Agri By-Products – Specification," aimed at reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainability. The standard provides comprehensive guidelines to manufacturers and consumers, ensuring uniformity in quality requirements across the country.
The implementation of this standard has extensive advantages as using biodegradable agri by-product utensils can contribute towards environmental safety, conserve natural resources, and promote a circular economy. These utensils are free from harmful additives and ensure consumer well-being. The standard also creates economic opportunities for farmers and supports sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to rural development.
Julley Ladakh
15-Jun-2023: Indian Navy outreach programme "Julley Ladakh" (Hello Ladakh)
Indian Navy is conducting “Julley Ladakh” (Hello Ladakh), an outreach programme to Ladakh to increase awareness about the service in the pristine state and to engage with youth and civil society there. Towards this a 5000km Motorcycle Expedition was flagged off by V.Adm. Sanjay Jasjit Singh, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, from the National War Memorial on 15 Jun 23. The Navy had previously made similar effort in the North East that was hugely successful. The Indian Navy had also undertaken the Sam No Varunah car expedition to engage with citizens in all the coastal states.
The main objectives of the current initiative in the Northern Territory include: -
- Celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (75 years of Indian Independence).
- Conduct Awareness drives at Schools/ Colleges in Ladakh region about the career opportunities Indian Navy offers including the Agnipath Scheme.
- Motivate Youth to join the Indian Navy.
- Showcase Nari Shakti, an initiative of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, by including Women Officers and spouses.
- Interact with naval veterans and Veer Naris in the region.
Outreach activities planned include a Motor Cycle Expedition, passing through a large part of Ladakh, a band concert at City Centre with the famous Navy Band, Medical Camp and a Football Match between the Navy and the Ladakh Football Club.
In his address at the flag off ceremony, V.Adm. SJ Singh, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, stated that Navy has always promoted adventure activities as these not only serve to inspire personnel to aim higher and achieve better, but also strengthen team-building and camaraderie that are crucial for their performance at sea. He congratulated the Sea Riders for undertaking an expedition aimed at enhancing maritime consciousness and awareness about the Navy in an important part of the country that is distant from the seas but close to our hearts, and wished them a safe and memorable ride on TVS motorcycles. He also thanked TVS Motors Ltd for partnering with the Navy for an important cause and hoped that this would be the first of many such expeditions undertaken under this collaboration.
The Motorcycle Expedition being conducted in partnership with M/s TVS Motors, the reputed manufacturer of two and three-wheelers, with a legacy rooted over 100 years, and aims to cover large parts of Ladakh region on TVS Apache RTR and RR 310. The first phase of the expedition was flagged off from New Delhi today15 Jun and will reach Leh on 28 Jun passing through the states of Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company said, “We are extremely proud and humbled to be associating with the Indian Navy as part of their Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. TVS Motor has always strived to push the boundaries of innovation and adventure, and this collaboration with the esteemed Indian Navy aligns perfectly with our vision. This collaboration symbolises our commitment to excellence, as we partner with the esteemed Indian Navy to embark on this thrilling journey that showcases the prowess of the TVS Apache motorcycles in diverse and challenging terrains. This expedition is a testament to our shared values of courage, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We look forward to this extraordinary adventure and wish the officers good luck for their journey.”
A total of 35 Indian Navy personnel, including Officers, sailors, and family members are participating in this Motorcycle Expedition covering about 5000 kms, traversing through remote areas and tough terrains of Ladakh. They will interact with the students of schools and colleges enroute, and also pay homage to the brave hearts at the Kargil War Memorial and those of the 1962 battle of Rezang La.