Coal mine closure framework process is being finalised

Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said that the government will set up up 75 Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hubs in different parts of the country. These hubs will be exclusively for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) and will not only promote scientific talent, but also contribute to socio-economic development of these communities. After a high level review meeting with senior officials of Department of Science and Technology (DST) in New Delhi, the Minister said, in the last two years, 20 STI Hubs have already been established  which will directly benefit 20 thousand SC and ST population through various interventions. Dr Singh said, the decision has been taken in tune with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and resolve to handhold the weaker sections and raise them at par with other sections of society. He said that STI Hubs will develop, nurture and ensure the delivery of appropriate and relevant technologies for creation of sustainable livelihoods for the SC and ST population.

-Skill India with due support from Directorate General of Training (DGT) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) on Wednesday organized a day-long ‘Apprenticeship Mela’ across the country in over 660 locations. Under the initiative, nearly 52,000 apprentices were hired. The event witnessed participation from more than five thousand organisations, operating in more than 30 sectors such as Power, Retail, Telecom, Electronics, Automotive and more. Additionally, country’s aspiring youth received the opportunity to engage and select prospects from more than 500 trades including posts for Welder, Electrician, Housekeeper, Beautician, Mechanic and more. Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajesh Aggarwal said that the Ministry received an overwhelming response from the candidates during the Apprenticeship Mela. He hoped that with nearly 52,000 apprentices getting hired during this event, we will be able to scale-up the skilling standards in the country to achieve the vision of 'Skilled India'.

-Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has said that the Narendra Modi Government is working as an enabler by creating demand structure for drones. Addressing the session on Drones for Public Good - Mass Awareness Programme, organized by FICCI, Scindia said, technology promotion is crucial and drone technology will bring those living at the margins to the centre of development. He said, drones play a crucial role in connecting the people from the length and breadth of the country. He said, the new drone rules, accompanied at a very short period with the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Drones, gives the nascent industry of domestic manufacturing, a huge boost. The Minister added that India has some very hard-to-reach territories and drones would be effective in providing vaccines, resulting in an increase of the vaccination drive. He said, the government is already working as an anchor customer by the usage of vaccines and mapping and creating the demand structure for the drone technology in India.Scindia said that the government approved PLI Scheme for the drone industry will bring fresh investments and boost employment in India. He also urged the industry bodies to help the technology take off.

-Ministry of Coal is in the process of finalising a robust mine closure framework. Its thrust will be on three major aspects of institutional governance, people and communities and environmental reclamation and land repurposing on the principles of just transition. The Ministry is in consultation with the World Bank for obtaining support and assistance in this program. Ministry of Coal in a statement said that vast experience of the World Bank in handling mine closure cases in different countries will be highly beneficial and will facilitate adoption of the best practices and standards in handling of mine closure cases. A Preliminary Project Report for the proposed engagement with the World Bank has been submitted to the Finance Ministry for necessary approvals. The Ministry said that as of now, Indian Coal sector is doing its best to fulfil the country’s energy demand by augmenting coal production.

-Polling for Panchayats and Panchayat Unions for the newly formed nine districts was completed peacefully in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. The voters present before six p.m. inside the poll booths were given tokens to exercise their franchise.The State Election Commissioner V. Palani Kumar said that the COVID positive patients were allowed to vote with utmost precautions. The second phase of polling will be held on Saturday and counting of votes will be taken up on the 12th of October.The newly formed districts of Chengalpet, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Ranipet, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli Tirupattur, Villupuram and Kallakurichi districts witnessed normal polling today. 7,921 Polling Booths are being guarded by more than 17 thousand Police and Home Guards. Twelve thousand sensitive booths are monitored through web cameras. The BJP and PMK are contesting alone without the AIADMK. The ruling DMK and the AIADMK are facing each other in many Panchayat Unions.