Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon Central and State Government Departments to ensure foolproof management of land for India to become a global manufacturing hub. He was addressing the inaugural session of a webinar organised on August 04, 2022 to disseminate Geographic Information System (GIS)-based applications, developed by Centre of Excellence for Satellite & Unmanned Remote Vehicle Initiative (CoE–SURVEI), across the Central & State Government departments, Municipal Bodies and Development Authorities for wider use and adaptability.

The CoE-SURVEI was set up by Directorate General Defence Estates (DGDE), Ministry of Defence to promote the use of emerging technologies in land surveys, analysis of data & land management. In the last few months, the Centre has developed a number of softwares in collaboration with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Visakhapatnam; Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics, Gandhinagar; National Remote Sensing Centre; IIT Delhi and other Central Government organisations for effective land management.

“Collaborating with the private sector, the CoE-SURVEI is moving fast towards becoming a one-stop centre to meet the land survey, analysis and management related needs of our country,” the Raksha Mantri said. The applications developed by CoE-SURVEI include those on Change Detection, Land Use Analysis and 3D Imagery Analysis.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Change Detection Software detects unauthorised constructions & encroachments on defence land. The application, which uses National Remote Sensing Centre’s satellite imagery, has been installed in all 62 cantonment boards. Through the software, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Cantonment Boards are able to identify changes on ground that are of permanent nature, enabling them to check if such changes are authorised or without due sanction of the competent authority. It helps the CEO to initiate necessary administrative action in time against unauthorised constructions or encroachments. Earlier, such unauthorised constructions and encroachments were detected through physical verification. Shri Rajnath Singh described the software as effective and time-saving which will help increase surveillance by land holding & land-using departments and prevent unauthorised constructions and encroachments.

The Land Use Analysis software, developed with active participation of Nascent Infotechnologies Pvt Ltd, can analyse any place located in any part of the country through GIS and Remote Sensing (RS) technologies. The Raksha Mantri stated that the tool will prove to be helpful not only for Ministry of Defence, but other Government and State departments as well, ensuring optimum utilisation of existing land. He also appreciated the efforts of CoE-SURVEI for developing tools for 3D imagery analysis and visualisation of hilly areas.

Pointing out that the world population is increasing and so is the demand for resources, the Raksha Mantri stressed on the need for effective and judicious management of inimitable resources such as land for its optimum utilisation. He urged all stakeholders to encourage use of technology in survey & analysis of land and contribute to Nation Building.

In his address, Shri Rajnath Singh also listed out a number of steps taken by the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to resolve various issues such as land disputes. “Issues like land disputes become a barrier in the development process. Our Government has repealed many irrelevant archaic laws related to land. Today, India is one of those countries where, even in villages, land records are being maintained with the help of drones. According to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP-MIS 2.0), land records of about 94% villages have been computerised. With this, people are able to get a clear title of their land,” he said.

Underscoring the importance of clear land titles, the Raksha Mantri described them as not only important for the convenience of residents, but also to facilitate the industries in establishing new set-ups. Clear land titles are an important requirement if India wishes to become a manufacturing hub, attract businesses and investment or be among the world’s leading countries in similar fields, he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh commended other such efforts of DGDE for the development of Cantonment Boards and increasing the ease of living of its residents. These include the survey of about 18 lakh acres of defence land using modern technologies and launch of ‘e-chhawani’ portal, besides the setting up of CoE-SURVEI. He exhorted DGDE to come out with more such reforms, with the support of Ministry of Defence. He hoped that the increased use of technology will bring more efficiency, transparency and accountability in the functioning of DGDE.

The day-long webinar has been organised by DGDE with other Central and State Government Departments with the aim to disseminate latest technologies to achieve the twin objectives of adopting such tools in the day-to-day functions and obtain expert views for their further adaptability and upgradation.

Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Director General Defence Estates Shri Ajay Kumar Sharma, other senior officers of Ministry of Defence; officials of various Central & State Government Departments and field officers and DEOs from Cantonment Boards were present on the occasion. During the webinar, expert agencies/departments will make presentations on GIS & RS tools which are either under development or are already under use by various departments.

Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textile Shri Piyush Goyal today announced that India has achieved a landmark milestone, wherein 75000 startups have been recognized in the country. These numbers tell the power of a vision. A vision to see innovation & enterprise drive growth, he emphasized.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognized more than 75,000 startups- a milestone which coincides with 75^th year of independence. As India celebrates Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Indian startup ecosystem continues to be fuelled by innovation, enthusiasm, and entrepreneurial spirit.

During the Independence Day speech from the Red Fort on 15^th August 2015, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had envisioned a new India which taps on the entrepreneurial potential of its people. On 16^th January of the following year, the date which has now been declared as the National Startup Day, a program was initiated to lay out an action plan to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups in the country. 6 years hence, the action plan has successfully guided into making India the 3^rd largest ecosystem. It is also interesting to note that, while the initial ten thousand startups were recognized in 808 days, the latest ten thousand were achieved in only 156 days. With more than 80 Startups getting recognized per day- highest rate in the world, the future of the startup culture is very promising and encouraging.

Startup India program which was primarily setup to provide an enabling environment for the startups, has today evolved into the launchpad for them. From providing funding to tax incentives, from support on intellectual property rights to eased public procurement, from enabling regulatory reforms to access to international fests and events, Startup India program has become synonymous with sustainable economic growth.

Out of the total recognized startups, around 12% cater to IT services, 9% to Healthcare and Life Sciences, 7% to education, 5% to professional and commercial services and 5% to agriculture. An impressive, 7.46 lakh jobs have been created by the Indian startup ecosystem, so far, which has been a 110% yearly increase over the last 6 years. The fact that about 49% of our startups are from Tier II & Tier III today is a validation of the tremendous potential of our country’s youth.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated the badminton team for winning Silver medal in the Birmingham CWG 2022.

In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said;

“Congratulations to the Indian badminton team of @srikidambi, @satwiksairaj, @buss_reddy, @lakshya_sen, @Shettychirag04, Treesa Jolly, Aakarshi Kashyap, @P9Ashwini, Gayatri Gopichand and @Pvsindhu1 for winning the Silver medal in the Birmingham CWG. Proud of their accomplishment.”

“Badminton is among the most admired sports in India. The Silver medal in the CWG will go a long way in making the game even more popular and ensuring more people pursue it in the times to come. “

Keeping in view interest of sugarcane farmers (Ganna Kisan), the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for sugar season 2022-23 (October – September) at Rs. 305/qtl for a basic recovery rate of 10.25%, providing a premium of Rs. 3.05/qtl for each 0.1% increase in recovery over and above 10.25%, & reduction in FRP by Rs. 3.05/qtl for every 0.1% decrease in recovery. However, the Government with a view to protect interest of sugarcane farmers has also decided that there shall not be any deduction in case of sugar mills where recovery is below 9.5%. Such farmers will get Rs. 282.125/qtl for sugarcane in ensuing sugar season 2022-23 in place of Rs. 275.50/qtl in current sugar season 2021-22.

The A2 + FL cost of production of sugarcane (i.e actual paid out cost plus imputed value of family labour) for the sugar season 2022-23 is Rs. 162/qtl. This FRP of Rs. 305/qtl at a recovery rate of 10.25% is higher by 88.3% over cost of production, thereby ensuring the promise of giving the farmers a return of more than 50% over their cost. The FRP for sugar season 2022-23 is 2.6% higher than current sugar season 2021-22.

Due to proactive policies of Central Government ,sugarcane cultivation and sugar industry has come a long way in past 8 years and now reached a level of self-sustainability. This is outcome of timely government interventions and collaboration with sugar industry, State Governments, various departments of Central Government as well as farmers. Salient measures taken by the Government for Sugar Sector in recent years are as under:

• FRP of sugarcane is fixed to ensure a guaranteed price to sugarcane growers.
• Government has increased FRP by more than 34% in past 8 years.
• Government has also introduced the concept of Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of sugar to prevent fall in ex-mill prices of sugar & accumulation of cane arrears (MSP was fixed initially at ₹ 29/ kg  w.e.f  07-06-2018; revised to ₹ 31/kg w.e.f. 14-02-2019).
• Financial assistance of more than ₹ 18,000 crore extended to sugar mills to facilitate export of sugar, for maintaining buffer stocks, to augment ethanol  production capacity & for clearance of farmers’ dues.
• Diversion of surplus sugar for production of ethanol led to improved financial conditions of sugar mills. As a result, they are able to clear cane dues early.
• Due to exports and diversion of sugar to ethanol, sugar sector has become self-sustainable and budgetary support for export and buffer are not required to improve liquidity of mills.

Further, due to various others measures taken for the Sugar Sector during past few sugar seasons which inter-alia included introduction of high yielding varieties of sugarcane, adoption of drip irrigation system, modernization of sugar plant and other R&D activities, the area of sugarcane cultivation, production of sugarcane, cane crushed, sugar production & its recovery percentage and the payment to farmers have increased considerably.

Government committed to increase income of farmers:

Decision will benefit 5 crore sugarcane farmers (Ganna Kisan) and their dependents, as well as 5 lakh workers employed in the sugar mills and related ancillary activities. 9 years back, FRP was only Rs. 210/ qtl in sugar season 2013-14 & only about 2397 LMT of sugarcane was purchased by sugar mills. Farmers were getting only about Rs. 51,000 cr from sale of sugarcane to sugar mills. However, in past 8 years Government has increased FRP by more than 34%. In the current sugar season 2021-22, about 3,530 lakh tons of sugarcane of worth Rs. 1,15,196  cr was purchased by sugar mills, which is at all time high.

Keeping the increase in the acreage & expected production of sugarcane in the ensuing sugar season 2022-23, more than 3,600 lakh tons of sugarcane is likely to be purchased by sugar mills for which the total remittance to the sugarcane farmers is expected to be more than  Rs. 1,20,000 crore. The Government through its pro-farmer measures will ensure that sugarcane farmers get their dues in time.

In the previous sugar season 2020-21, about Rs. 92,938 crores cane dues were payable, out of which Rs. 92,710 crore has been paid & only Rs. 228 crore arrears are pending. In the current sugar season 2021-22, out of cane dues payable of Rs. 1,15,196 crores about Rs. 1,05,322 crores cane dues have been paid to farmers, as on 01.08.2022; thus, 91.42% cane dues have been cleared which is higher than earlier seasons.

India – largest producer & second largest exporter of sugar in the world:

India has surpassed Brazil in the sugar production in the current sugar season. With the increase in the production of sugar in past 8 years, India apart from meeting its requirement for domestic consumption has also consistently exporting sugar which has helped in reducing our fiscal deficit.  In last 4 sugar seasons 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 & 2020-21, about 6 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT), 38 LMT, 59.60 LMT & 70 LMT of sugar has been exported. About 100 LMT of sugar has been exported till 01.08.2022 in the current sugar season 2021-22  & exports likely to touch 112 LMT.

Sugarcane farmers & sugar industry now contributing in energy sector:

India’s 85% requirement of crude oil is met through imports. But with a view to reduce import bill on crude oil, to reduce pollution & to make India Atmanirbhar in petroleum sector, Government is pro-actively moving ahead to increase production & blending of ethanol with petrol under the Ethanol Blended with Petrol programme. Government is encouraging sugar mills to divert excess sugarcane to ethanol which is blended with petrol, which not only serves as a green fuel but also saves foreign exchange on account of crude oil import. In sugar seasons 2018-19, 2019-20 & 2020-21, about 3.37 LMT, 9.26 LMT & 22 LMT of sugar has been diverted to ethanol. In current sugar season 2021-22, about 35 LMT of sugar is estimated to be diverted & by 2025-26 more than 60 LMT of sugar is targeted to be diverted to ethanol, which would address the problem of excess sugarcane as well as delayed payment issue because farmers would get timely payment.

Government has fixed target of 10% blending of fuel grade ethanol with petrol by 2022  & 20% blending by 2025.

Till year 2014, ethanol distillation capacity of molasses based distilleries was only about 215 cr litres. However, in past 8 years due to the policy changes made by the Government, the capacity of molasses based distilleries have increased to 595 cr litres. Capacity of grain based distilleries which were about 206 cr litres in 2014 have now increased to 298 cr ltrs. Thus, the overall capacity of ethanol production has doubled in past 8 years from 421 cr ltrs in 2014 to 893 cr ltrs in July’ 2022. Government is also extending interest subvention to sugar mills/ distilleries for loans availed from banks for augmentation of ethanol production capacities. About 41,000 cr investment is being made in ethanol sector which will create employment opportunities in rural areas.

In ethanol supply year (ESY) 2013-14, supply of ethanol to OMCs was only 38 crore litres with blending levels of only 1.53 %. Production of fuel grade ethanol and its supply to OMCs has increased by 8 times from 2013-14. In ethanol supply year 2020-21 (December – November), about 302.30 cr ltrs of ethanol has been supplied to OMCs thereby, achieving 8.1% blending levels. In the current ESY 2021-22, we have been able to achieve 10.17% blending levels. More than 400 cr ltrs of ethanol likely to be supplied by sugar mills/ distilleries for blending with petrol in the current ESY 2021-22 which will be 10 times in comparison to supplies in year 2013-14.

Sugar industry becoming self-sustainable:

Earlier, sugar mills were dependent primarily on sale of sugar to generate revenues. Surplus production in any season adversely affects their liquidity leading to accumulation of cane price arrears of farmers. Government interventions were made from time to time to improve their liquidity. However, in past few years due to Central Government’s proactive policies including encouragement to export surplus sugar & to divert sugar to ethanol, the sugar industry has now become self-sustainable.

Since, 2013-14 about  Rs. 49,000 crore revenue generated by sugar mills from sale of ethanol to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). In the current sugar season 2021-22, about Rs. 20,000 cr revenue is being generated by sugar mills from sale of ethanol to OMCs; which has improved liquidity of sugar mills enabling them to clear  cane dues of farmers . Revenue from sale of sugar & its by-products, ethanol supplies to OMCs, power production from bagasse based cogeneration plants & sale of potash produced from press mud   has improved topline & bottom line growth of sugar mills.

The measures taken by the Central Government and FRP enhancement have encouraged farmers to cultivate sugarcane and facilitated continued operation of sugar factories for domestic manufacturing of sugar. Due to proactive policies made by the Government for sugar sector,  India is also now becoming atmanirbhar in energy sector.

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, here today released publications on Diamond Jubilee milestone of IndianOil’s Guwahati Refinery & Golden Jubilee celebrations of Bongaigaon Refinery. Shri Rameswar Teli, Minister of State, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Labour and Employment, Shri SM Vaidya, Chairman and Ms Sukla Mistry, Director (Refineries), IndianOil were also present. The celebrations were also marked with release of My Stamps by the dignitaries. My Stamps have been issued by Indian Postal Department.

While releasing the stamp, Shri Puri lauded the efforts of oil sector PSUs, especially IndianOil. “IndianOil is spearheading many environmental & social initiatives, along with expanding its business horizons in the field of green energy fuels”. “My Stamps released today are a testament of IndianOil’s steadfast commitment to serve the nation”, he added.

“The publications showcase landmark achievements of IndianOil, signifying the zeal of the Corporation towards meeting the fuel demands of the country through continuous technology upgradation”, shared Shri Rameswar Teli during the celebratory function. Shri SM Vaidya said that the IndianOil’s north eastern refineries are playing a crucial role in meeting the energy demands, while adopting latest technology, keeping in tune with evolving times.

Indian Oil’s Guwahati Refinery, the first Public Sector Refinery of the country and Bongaigaon Refinery have been meeting the energy needs of the north-east region of India, and the neighbouring regions. The refining capacity of all the three refineries of IndianOil in the north-east region shall be increased by 2030 under the Government of India’s North-East Vision. Playing an active role in bolstering the economy of north-east of India, these refineries are supporting the local communities through development projects with inclusive growth as the guiding light.

Indian Railways (IR) has recorded best ever July Monthly freight loading of 122.14 MT in July’22. The incremental loading in the month of July has been 9.3 MT i.e. a growth of 8.25 % over  the previous best July figures achieved in 2021. With this, Indian Railways has had 23 straight months of best ever monthly freight loading.

IR has achieved an incremental loading of 11.54 MT in Coal, followed by 1.22 MT in Balance other goods, 0.56 MT each in Cement & Clinker and Containers and 0.47 MT in POL.

Increase in automobile loading has been another highlight of Freight Business in FY 2022- 23 and 1698 rakes have been loaded in FY 2022-23 till July as compared to 994 rakes during the same period of last year i.e. a growth of 71%.

The cumulative freight loading from 1^st April’2022 to 31^st July’2022 has been 501.53 MT as against 452.13 MT achieved in 2021-22 i.e. an incremental loading of 49.40 MT, with a growth of 10.92 % over same period last year.

The freight NTKMs (Net tonne kilometers) have increased from 63.3 Billion in July ’21 to 75 Billion in July’22 registering a growth of 18.38 %. The cumulative NTKMs in the first four months have also grown by 19.46 %.

The sustained efforts of Indian Railways to increase supply of Coal to Power houses, in close coordination with Ministry of Power and Coal, have been one of the key features of the freight performance in the month of July. The loading of Coal (both domestic and imported) to Power Houses has increased by 13.2 MT in July with 47.98 MT Coal being moved to Power houses as against 34.74 MT last year, i.e. a growth of 38%. Cumulatively, in the first four months of the year, IR has loaded more than 47.95 MT extra coal to Power Houses as compared to same period of last year, with a growth of more than 32%.

Your Excellency, My friend President Solih,

Members of both delegations,

Media representatives,

Namaskar!

First of all, I would like to welcome my friend President Solih and his delegation to India. In the last few years, there has been a renewed vigour in the friendly relations between India and Maldives, our closeness has increased. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, our cooperation is taking the form of a comprehensive partnership.

Friends,

Today, I had extensive discussions with President Solih on a number of topics. We reviewed all the dimensions of our bilateral cooperation, and also exchanged views on important regional and global issues.

Just a short while ago, we welcomed the launch of the Greater Male connectivity project. It will be the largest infrastructure project in the Maldives.

We also reviewed projects for the construction of 4000 social housing units in Greater Male today. I am happy to announce that we will additionally provide financial support for 2000 social housing units.

We have also decided to provide an additional $100 million line of credit, so that all projects can be completed in a time-bound manner.

Friends,

The threat of trans-national crime, terrorism and drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean is serious. And therefore, close contact and coordination between India and Maldives in the field of defence and security is vital for the peace and stability of the entire region. We have increased our cooperation against all these common challenges. It also includes capacity building and training support for Maldivian security officials. I am happy to announce that India will provide 24 vehicles and one naval boat for the Maldives Security Force. We will also cooperate in building police facilities in 61 islands of Maldives.

Friends,

The Maldivian government has set a target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. I congratulate President Solih for this commitment, and also assure that India will extend all possible support to the Maldives to achieve this goal. India has taken up its initiative of One World, One Sun, One Grid internationally, and under this we can take effective steps with Maldives.

Friends,

Today, the India-Maldives partnership is not only working in the interest of the citizens of both the countries but is also becoming a source of peace, stability and prosperity for the region.

India has been and will continue to be the first responder in any need or crisis of Maldives.

I wish President Solih and his delegation a pleasant visit to India.

Thank you very much.

DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah has urged citizens to change the DP of their social media accounts to Tiranga. In tweets, Shri Amit Shah said “Have changed the DP of my social media accounts to Tiranga on PM Narendra Modi Ji’s clarion call to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.”

Shri Amit Shah said “I urge all to change the DP of your social media accounts to Tiranga to show your love and respect towards the National flag.”

A meeting to review the construction projects of the Ayush National Councils and National institutes was held under the chairmanship of  Minister of Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. Minister of State for Ayush Dr. Munjapara Mahendrabhai, Shri Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Vice Chancellor, Directors and Director Generals of Ayush Institutes/Central Councils along with project management consultant’s representative participated in this meeting.

Ministry of Ayush aims to create a world class Ayush infrastructure across the country, which will be pivotal to drive India’s Ayush revolution. Almost, 41 Ayush infrastructure projects, which includes new building and up gradation of present National institutes/Central Councils is being planned at an estimated cost of Rs. 1955.45 crores across the country.

On this occasion, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said that time-bound infra development of National Institutes, Central Councils is a prime focus area, which will enable Ayush to better serve humanity. He gave directions for fast completion of all works for benefit of the people.

The Minister further added that building of Ayush infrastructure should be approached in same way as Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s holistic infrastructure development scheme “GatiShakti”. Ayush officials and project management consultants should take serious note of this action philosophy.

Ministry of Ayush key Infrastructure projects include establishing satellite institutes of four National Institutes, phase – II campus of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy (NEIAH) at Shillong. Other key projects includes Ayush wing at AIIMS, NCI at Jhajjar, Nisarg Gram at NIN, Pune and others. The prominent project management consultants, who have been engaged for these projects are NPCC Ltd., WAPCOS Ltd., NBCC (I) Ltd. CPWD, MECON and PWD.

Last week minister inaugurated Ayush building complex at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai. This complex will house the regional Research Institute of Homoeopathy (RRIH), under Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (RRIUM) under Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM).

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has lauded the outstanding accomplishment of 6 billion UPI transactions in July, highest ever since 2016.

In a response to a tweet by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Prime Minister said;

“This is an outstanding accomplishment. It indicates the collective resolve of the people of India to embrace new technologies and make the economy cleaner. Digital payments were particularly helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated weightlifter, Achinta Sheuli on winning Gold Medal at Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham. Shri Modi has also shared his recent interaction with Achinta Sheuli when Indian contigent left for CWG Games.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;

“Delighted that the talented Achinta Sheuli has won a Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Games. He is known for his calm nature and tenacity. He has worked very hard for this special achievement. My best wishes to him for his future endeavours.”

“Before our contingent left for the Commonwealth Games, I had interacted with Achinta Sheuli. We had discussed the support he received from his mother and brother. I also hope he gets time to watch a film now that a medal has been won.”