Collaboration, innovation, PPP key to achieve 2047 goals: Jitendra Singh

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

New Delhi, Dec 15 (IANS) Collaboration between Centre and state, innovation, and public-private partnerships are key to achieving the 2047 goals of a Viksit Bharat, said Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Sunday.

He said this while chairing the monthly Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Secretaries of all the Science Ministries and Departments of the Government in the national capital.

Singh called for aligning all the government departments as well as the Centre and State efforts with a “whole of Government” and “whole of Science” approach to transform India into “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.

He called for cooperative federalism in science and stressed the need to integrate all the stakeholders to create a sustainable and progressive ecosystem.

The meeting served as a key platform for evaluating ongoing programmes and discussing future strategies to strengthen India’s scientific ecosystem.

Singh also emphasised the vital role of State Scientific Councils in fostering innovation, advancing regional development, and contributing to national goals.

“State Scientific Councils must rise to the occasion and play their part in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. By working together, we can harness the full potential of our scientific resources to transform India into a developed nation by 2047,” the minister added.

He urged states to act as catalysts for cultivating a scientific temperament, promoting grassroots innovation, and leveraging local expertise to address unique challenges.

The Union Minister also highlighted the importance of market capitalisation for innovations emerging from India’s scientific agencies.

“Scientific innovation must not remain confined to laboratories. It should translate into impactful, market-ready solutions that empower industries and improve lives,” he stated.

“By effectively marketing technologies, India could establish itself as a global leader in innovation and technology-led solutions,” Singh added.

He also advocated for frameworks that enable public-private collaboration to fast-track the commercialisation of lab-scale breakthroughs.

The Union minister stressed that such partnerships are essential for bridging the gap between research and real-world applications, ensuring that innovations are accessible, scalable, and impactful.

–IANS

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Vijay Diwas: Indian and Bangladesh Army exchange sweets at border

Agartala, Dec 16 (IANS) The Indian Army personnel on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of ‘Vijay Diwas’ exchanged sweets with Bangladesh forces at Agartala-Akhaura Integrated Check Post (ICP) here.

A senior official said that the exchange of sweets was done symbolising unity and goodwill between the two forces and two nations.

Senior Army officers of India and Bangladesh were present at the Agartala-Akhaura (Bangladesh) check post during the exchange of sweets between the two armed forces.

“This tradition shall be a hallmark in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations,” the official said.

On the occasion, the Army and various other organisations on Monday organised a series of events in Tripura, from where the Indian Army had launched major offensive campaigns and operations during the 1971 war and the local population supported the cause.

Earlier on Monday, Tripura Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, Red Shield Division commander and other senior officials from the Army paid their rich and heartfelt tributes to the brave soldiers at the iconic Albert Ekka War Memorial on the outskirts of Agartala.

In the evening, a cultural programme was held at the Albert Ekka War Memorial where Tourism and Transport Minister Shushanta Chowdhury was present on behalf of the Tripura government.

Senior government and Indian Army officials were also present at the event.

A defence spokesman said that the event showcased the indomitable spirit and eternal sacrifice of the soldiers, igniting fervour of patriotism amongst the attendees.

The minister honoured veterans from Tripura who had participated in the 1971 operations and distributed prizes to children who excelled in various competitions held as part of the Vijay Diwas celebrations.

The minister highlighted the pivotal role played by the Indian Army in 1971.

The event culminated with a Barakhana with Ex-servicemen (ESMs) and troops from Agartala, reinforcing community bonds and appreciation.

“This celebration not only honoured our heroes but also instilled a renewed sense of pride and commitment to uphold their legacy among all present,” the spokesman said.

–IANS

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Setback for AAP as former MLA Sukhbir Dalal joins BJP

New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS) In a significant political development, former MLA and long-time Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member Sukhbir Dalal joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday.

The move was announced in the presence of Union Minister Harsh Malhotra, BJP state president Virendra Sachdeva, and other senior leaders at a press conference at the Delhi BJP headquarters.

Joining Dalal was Balbir Singh, an executive member of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee from Vivek Vihar.

Dalal, who represented Mundka as an AAP MLA, clarified that his decision to switch allegiance was not due to being denied a ticket but stemmed from his confidence in the BJP’s policies.

“Ever since Arvind Kejriwal’s ‘Sheesh Mahal’ was built, corruption within AAP crossed all limits,” Dalal remarked.

He accused the AAP government of prioritising corruption over development and ignoring the needs of rural areas in Delhi.

Dalal also credited the BJP for supporting his efforts to execute developmental projects in rural Delhi.

Expressing his gratitude after joining the party, he pledged his commitment to contributing to the nation’s progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

This follows a series of switches by the AAP leaders to the BJP ahead of the Assembly elections.

Recently, Delhi Ministers Kailash Gahlot and Harsharan Singh Balli joined the BJP. Along with this, many others also switched to the BJP ahead of polls.

Balbir Singh, too, cited his admiration for PM Modi’s policies as a motivating factor.

“The Prime Minister has worked extensively for the Sikh community, which inspired me to join the BJP,” he said.

Singh highlighted his electoral success as a member of the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee and noted that his appeal transcended religious boundaries.

He further praised the BJP and the Delhi Lieutenant Governor for their recent contributions to the Sikh community. Singh contrasted this with the lack of action by other parties, stating, “Everyone talks about 1984, but they never provided jobs or opportunities. The BJP has offered both support and work.”

With the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 2025, the AAP faces increasing challenges as it aims for a third consecutive term. In the 2020 elections, the party won an overwhelming majority, securing 62 out of 70 seats.

This political realignment adds to the mounting pressures on AAP as it prepares to defend its stronghold in the upcoming elections.

–IANS

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Despite confirming lack of involvement, PF officials continuing with proceedings: Robin Uthappa

Bengaluru, Dec 22 (IANS) Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa, who faces an arrest warrant for alleged Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) fraud, has said that he had no role in the day-to-day operations of the business and despite confirming the lack of his involvement, the PF officials were continuing with proceedings

He said this on Sunday while reacting to the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), which functions under the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, writing a letter to the Bengaluru Police seeking assistance in issuing an arrest warrant.

Uthappa issued a press statement, which read: “In light of recent news of the PF case against me, I would like to provide some clarification with regards to my involvement with Strawberry Lenceria Pvt Ltd, Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd, and Berryz Fashion House. In 2018-19, I was appointed as a director in these companies due to my financial contributions to them in the form of loans. However, I did not have an active executive role, nor was I involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. Given my demanding schedule as a professional cricketer, TV presenter, and commentator, neither did I have the time nor expertise to participate in their operations. In fact, I do not play an executive role in any other companies I have funded, till date.”

“Regrettably, these companies failed to repay the funds I lent them, leading me to initiate legal proceedings, which are currently sub judice. I also resigned from my directorship several years ago. When the Provident Fund authorities issued notices demanding payment of dues, my legal team responded, highlighting that I had no role in these companies and provided documentation from the companies themselves confirming my lack of involvement. Despite this, the Provident Fund authorities have continued with proceedings, and my legal advisors will take the necessary steps to resolve this matter in the coming days. I would also like to urge the media to kindly present complete facts and to verify the authenticity of information being shared,” Robin Uthappa stated.

Regional PF Commissioner-II and Recovery Officer, RO K.R. Puram Shadakshara Gopala Reddy had made a written request to the Inspector of Pulikeshi Nagar police station in Bengaluru seeking his help in executing the arrest warrant against Robin Uthappa.

The PF Commissioner Reddy has stated that Robin Uthappa is the Director of the M/s Centaurus Lifestyle Brands Pvt Ltd company located in Indiranagar of Bengaluru. The company has failed to remit the damages under Sections 7A, 14B and 7 Q of the EPF and MP Act, 1952 to the tune of Rs 23.36 lakh.

Addressing the police, Reddy further requested, “You are, therefore, kindly requested to execute the enclosed arrest warrant of arrest of Robin Uthappa.”

“In this regard, it is to inform that the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 is a social welfare legislation established especially for the poor section of society who are working for meagre salaries and will have nothing to fall back upon, except the provident fund contributions on their retirement and on other occasions,” the PF Commissioner stated.

“Due to non-remittances of dues, this office is unable to settle the Provident Fund accounts of the poor workers. In view of the above, you are kindly requested to execute the enclosed warrant of arrest through the inspector under whose jurisdiction Robin Uthappa resides,” he requested.

“In this connection, it is kindly requested to arrest the employer under Rule 73 of II Schedule to Income Tax Act 1961 and Income Tax (CP) Rule 1962 and 8B of Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Act, 1952 and produce him before the undersigned on or before December 27 for further proceedings through your official,” the notice stated.

–IANS

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