Equitable energy access poor is India's environmental policies-PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that environmental sustainability can only be achieved through climate justice. Delivering the inaugural address at the Energy and Resources Institute’s TERI World Sustainable Development Summit on Wednesday evening through video message, Modi said, successful climate actions also need adequate financing and for this developed countries need to fulfill their commitments on finance and technology transfer. He said, sustainability requires co-ordinated action for the global commons. He said, energy requirements of the people of India are expected to nearly double in the next 20 years and denying this energy would be denying life itself to millions. The Prime Minister said, equitable energy access to the poor has been a cornerstone of India's environmental policies.

-Government approved a new scheme New India Literacy Programme for the period Financial Years 2022 to 2027 to cover all the aspects of Adult Education to align with National Education Policy 2020 and Budget Announcements 2021-22. The National Education Policy 2020 has recommendations for Adult Education and Lifelong Learning. The Union Budget 2021-22, announcement had been made to enable increased access of resources, online modules covering the entire gamut of adult education will be introduced. The objective of the scheme is to impart not only foundational literacy and numeracy but also to cover other components which are necessary for a citizen of 21st century.  It includes critical life skills including financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills, health care and awareness, child care and education, and family welfare,  vocational skills development with a view towards obtaining local employment,  basic education including preparatory, middle, and secondary stage equivalency and continuing education including engaging holistic adult education courses in arts, sciences, technology, culture, sports, and recreation, as well as other topics of interest or use to local learners, such as more advanced material on critical life skills.

-President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday accepted credentials from four envoys at Rashtrapati Bhavan. They are High Commissioner of Tanzania Ms. Anisa K. Mbega, Ambassador of Djibouti Isse Abdillahi Assoweh, Ambassador of Serbia  Sinisa Pavic and Ambassador of North Macedonia  Slobodan Uzunov. Following the presentation of credentials, Kovind interacted with the envoys separately. He congratulated them on their appointments and highlighted the warm and friendly relations that India shared with the countries and the multifaceted relationship that India enjoyed with each of them. The President also wished them success in strengthening bilateral ties and for their well-being and progress and prosperity of the friendly people. Through the High Commissioner and the Ambassadors, the President also conveyed his personal regards to their leaderships.  Envoys present at the event reiterated their commitment to work closely to strengthen their ties with India.

-The Embassy of India in Kyiv issued an advisory  for Indian nationals in Ukraine. The Embassy continues to monitor developments. Official Sources said, they are aware that many Indian students are presently in Ukraine and their families are anxious about their wards, particularly about getting flights to India. The sources said, discussions are underway with civil aviation authorities and various airlines on how to increase the number of flights between India and Ukraine. Control Rooms in the Embassy as well as in the Ministry of External Affairs has been set up to respond to queries of Indian nationals in Ukraine and their families in India. The Embassy of India in Ukraine has set up a 24-hour helpline, which can be accessed at 380 997300428 and 380 997300483.

-Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday held a meeting with the Home Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and other officials in New Delhi to discuss the proposed peace talks with the banned militant outfit Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC). In a press statement following the meeting, the Chief Minister said that the communication letter from the outfit to have unconditional talks with both the Government of India and Government of Meghalaya within the parameters of the Indian Constitution is a welcome step. All necessary developments have been updated, stated the Chief Minister and added that a detailed discussion was held on how to take peace talk forward. Terming the meeting with officials of the MHA as a positive step, he added that the Government of Meghalaya is committed to bringing peace in the State.